Balmain to Launch Lower Priced Line

Start saving ladies, celebrity and fashionista  favourite Balmain are launching a lower priced mens and womenswear line called ‘Pierre Balmain’, after the founder of the label.

Joan Smalls in Balmain

The new collection is due to be shown at NY Fashion Week in September – meaning it will be Spring/Summer 2012 wear - and although it won’t be designed by easy-on-the-eye new Creative Director Olivier Rousteing, we’re going to publish his picture anyway.

With some jeans costing more than £1,000 and a few dresses reaching the dizzy heights of £6,000, we’re curious to see just what they mean by 'more affordable line'.

balmain

Olivier Rousteing - New Designer at Balmain

The speculation can finally end, Olivier Rousteing is the new head designer at Balmain.

Olivier Rousteing

Since Christophe Decarnin left earlier this month over strategic disputes with chairman Alain Hivelin and amid rumours over his mental state, many a name has been banded about as his replacement. But Balmain have confirmed that  25 year old Rousteing, currently in charge of womenwear at the label, is to step into Decarnin’s formidable shoes.

Decarnin took Balmain from a creaky, aging label into a white hot brand loved by models, fashionistas and celebrities. His ripped jeans sell around the £1000 mark and his exaggerated shoulder jackets have been copied from runway to the high street. 

Olivier Rousteing has a large shadow to step out from and we wish him all the best!