Under the direction of Olivier Rousteing, Balmain is known for its vibrantly, yet sleek personality that spans haute couture and sharp ready-to-wear pieces. Whether it be a striking pearl and beaded dress or a floral patent leather ensemble, Rousteing knows how to blend classic and contemporary notes. Now the designer is furthering his dive into sporty and slightly technical styles by introducing the house’s new Main Lab Collection.
To fuel the collection, Rousteing looks to the house’s best-selling luxury sneaker, the Unicorn, which was just unveiled two years ago on the runway in Paris. With a striking aerodynamic build and sleek shape, the sneaker makes a fusion of technical, sporty and luxury-oriented styles. The collection’s intro features a minimalist aesthetic showcased by classic shades of black and white. But elevating the calm notes are precise lines, sharp cuts and eye-catching graphic designs. But another key element is the use of various textures that see fleece and jersey fabrics alongside matte and reflective textiles.
The offering has made its debut at the Balmain Main Lab pop-up in Tokyo, Japan at its Isetan Shinjuku store where it will reside until January 16. Its global launch is set for Friday, January 12 across Balmain boutiques and online.
