How has the style of Balmain changed over the years?

Balmain remains one of the World’s most desired luxury French brands, renowned for its innovative and timeless designs. Since its founding in 1945 by Pierre Balmain, the label has continued to create bold and daring looks, steeped in opulence and elegance. From its high-profile red carpet moments to its constant trend-setting, Balmain’s changing aesthetic has evolved with the times, adapting to new tastes and preferences.

Balmain’s 1967 launch of mini dresses marked a major move for the label – one that saw it shift from its traditional focus on haute couture and embrace younger, more ready-to-wear designs. At the time of this move, Balmain had initially sprouted menswear and was on course to become a household name. Consequently, several stores across Europe opened, broadening its market. Despite the financial difficulties the label encountered between 1970 and 1980, Balmain reached its peak in 1981 when designer Oscar de la Renta – who introduced the designer suits concept – was made Creative Director. This allowed the brand to create a line that was both glamorous and affordable to the masses.

The early 2000s saw the label diminish in popularity as German designer Karl Lagerfeld replaced Oscar de la Renta as the Creative Director in 1983. However, in the mid-2000’s Christophe Decarnin who held a tenure from 2005 to 2011, brought back much of Balmain’s original lustre by combining his couture-like touches with a modern rock-chic sensibility. Though short lived, this relationship would prove most impactful for Balmain as it marked the beginning of Balmain’s iconic look. Under his now iconic look featured tight bodycon pieces in distressed denim, lavish embroidery, leopard-print pieces and heavily ornamented blazers fit for the red carpet. The demand for these “blingy’ clothing items grew so intense that it caused Balmain to triple its worth – a mark which it has maintained since.

The current Creative Director Olivier Rousteing replaced Decarnin in 2011 and has since continued with the modern iterations of Balmains signature look. His look pays homage to Decarnin and puts an emphasis on intricate beading and attention to detail. Although Rousteing’s designs are a tad more daring than his predecessor’s, both have helped keep the label current and desirable among celebrities and luxury followers alike so much so that some pieces have become highly sought after collector’s items.

Overall, Balmain’s iconic look has continued to evolve over time with each new wave of designer capturing their own personal interpretation. From Pierre Balmain’s classic take on women’s glamour to Decarnin’s rock-chic moment to Rousteing’s modern “golden afternoons’ mood, Balmain’s evolving vision of womenswear remains on course.

As explored at length via Vogue, Balmain is a reflection of French femininity, constantly evolving over the decades while maintaining a sense of originality and timelessness. For further information on Balmain’s significant changes over the years, readers can explore EJF Philanthropies recent article, which explores the luxury brand in more detail from 1945 to today. Alternatively, definitive works by author Colin Trail such as Balmain: Fashion House provide an in depth exploration of past and present collections, reflecting on how the iconic French label has shaped luxury fashion world over.

An Insider’s Guide to Discovering the Unique Charms of Paris

Paris is a city that needs little introduction. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the vibrant nightlife of Moulin Rouge, the city is packed with famous and well-known attractions. However, there are many hidden gems that only locals know, and to get a real taste of this magical city, you need to explore beyond the tourist hotspots. Here’s an insider’s guide to discovering the unique charms of Paris.

Uncover Hidden Gems

When you think of Paris, the first things that come to mind are probably the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre Museum. While these are must-see attractions, there are plenty of lesser-known gems to discover. The beautiful Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a hilly park with winding paths, a lake, and a temple at the top of a cliff. You can have a picnic with a view or explore the jungle-like grotto. Another great spot for a picnic is the Jardin du Luxembourg, filled with beautiful sculptures and fountains. For a change of pace, check out the lesser-known neighborhoods like Saint-Germain-des-Prés, full of charming coffee shops, restaurants, and antique shops.

Feast on Local Cuisine

French cuisine is renowned all over the world, and Paris is the perfect city to indulge in the best French dishes.

One dish that Parisians swear by is steak frites, a simple dish of steak and fries. The best place to get this is Le Relais de l’Entrecote in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where they serve unlimited steak frites to hungry customers. For something sweet, try the macarons at Ladurée, a French pastry shop with over 150 years of history. Other must-try dishes include croissants, baguettes, escargots, crème brulee, and of course, a glass of wine.

Discover Cultural Treasures

Paris is home to some of the world’s most legendary museums, such as the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou. One of the most unique museums is the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (Museum of Hunting and Nature), displaying taxidermied animals, hunting artefacts, and artwork related to wildlife. You can also explore the artistic legacy of Paris by discovering the street art around the city or visiting art galleries.

Paris is a city of celebrations, with a calendar full of festivals, concerts, and events year-round. Some of the most famous ones include Bastille Day, the Fête de la Musique, Paris Wine Festival, and the Paris Fashion Week.

Unearth Fascinating Local History

Paris has a long and intriguing history, and it’s not all about kings and queens. The Paris Catacombs are a series of underground tunnels that have been used as a burial ground for centuries, with hundreds of thousands of bones and skulls stacked along the walls. The Montmartre Cemetery is another fascinating site, featuring the graves of artists, musicians, and poets such as Dalida, Stendhal, and François Truffaut. If you’re interested in revolutionary history, don’t miss visiting the Place de la Bastille and the Musée de la Révolution française.

Go Off the Beaten Path

If you’re looking for something truly unique, you can take a hot air balloon ride over Paris from the Parc André Citroën or watch a movie under the stars at the Parc de la Villette during summer. You can also take a boat ride on the Seine River or explore the city on a bike tour. Paris has something to offer to everyone, and with a little bit of exploration, you can discover the most interesting, hidden, and unforgettable experiences.

From the hidden gems to the cultural experiences, Paris is a city of wonders that has something new to offer each time you visit. Use this insider’s guide to create a unique and unforgettable trip that will make you fall in love with the City of Love all over again.

An Insider’s Guide to Paris

Paris, the City of Lights, is a place that never fails to enchant visitors with its unparalleled beauty, history, and charm. The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum are common tourist spots, but there’s much more to explore in this beautiful city. From hidden gems to local cuisine and from cultural experiences to local history, here’s your ultimate guide to exploring Paris like a true insider.

Local Attractions

If you’re looking to visit Paris, don’t just settle for the tourist hotspots. Instead, explore some hidden gems that only locals know about. There’s the Promenade Plantée, an elevated park that stretches over three miles with impressive views of the city. You can also visit the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, a fascinating museum devoted to the art of hunting and nature conservation. Additionally, the Grande Mosquée de Paris, a tranquil and stunning mosque built-in 1926, is a beautiful place to explore and learn about the Muslim community in Paris.

Dining Spots

French cuisine is famous worldwide, and there are lots of dining options in Paris. However, for a taste of traditional French cuisine, you must visit Le Comptoir du Relais. Here, you can try the French classics like escargots, foie gras, and cassoulet in a cozy Parisian bistro setting. Another traditional French spot is Le Camembert, specializing in the famous cheese and many other French dishes. Don’t forget to try the pain au chocolat and croissants at small bakeries like Poilâne, a Parisian institution.

Cultural Experiences

The City of Light is also known for its cultural experiences that leave travelers mesmerized. In July, the Paris Plages is a beach-themed event that transforms the banks of Seine River into sand-like beaches. You can also explore the Palais Garnier, one of the world’s most famous opera houses, or take a visit to the Maison de Victor Hugo to learn about the life of the world-renowned author. Additionally, the Musée Jacquemart-André is a must-visit spot to see Paris’s art and its Belle Époque splendor.

Local History

Paris has a fascinating history dating back centuries, with captivating tales to discover. The Paris Catacombs, filled with millions of bones and skulls of Parisian residents, offers one of the city’s darkest histories. Additionally, the Les Invalides, a complex of buildings and museums, offers an exciting glimpse of French military history. For medieval ruins, the La Tour Saint-Jacques is an ancient tower with fascinating displays in the heart of Paris.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

If you’re looking for something unconventional and entirely unique, why not try the vintage shopping experience in the Puces de Saint-Ouen market? Or visit the Pere Lachaise Cemetery to see the final resting places of famous and controversial figures, including Jim Morrison, Marcel Proust, and Oscar Wilde. A less well-known spot is the Musée des Arts Forains, a private museum devoted to the art of the fairground and carnival with an impressive collection of antique rides and games.

In conclusion, Paris is undoubtedly a city that has much to offer. These off-the-beaten-path suggestions, cultural experiences, local history, and rare dining spots will make your trip unforgettable. Exploring the hidden gems of Paris, enjoying the cuisine, discovering the history, and indulging in unique experiences are the things that make Paris an enchanting city that every traveler should experience.