Balmain and designer Olivier Rousteing recently hosted a glamorous soirée at New York City’s historic Hotel Chelsea to mark the release of their Pre-Fall 2023 collection. The event, held in the Piano Room, featured a performance by Rainey Qualley, accompanied by a baby grand piano, adding a sultry touch to the evening. The soirée provided an opportunity for Balmain’s models to mingle with clients, influencers, press, and other creatives from New York.
In an interview with FashionNetwork.com, Rousteing expressed his admiration for New York and its vibrant energy, stating that the city’s sense of togetherness resonated with him. Coming from Paris, he wished his home city had the same passion for fashion, art, and celebrating the present. He described New York as a city that is always welcoming and continuously celebrating. The event at Hotel Chelsea exemplified this spirit, with a guest list that included actress Nicole Ari Parker, Love Island’s Aissata Diallo, TikToker Davis Burleson, influencer Coco Bassey, model and advocate Fernando Casablancas, plus-size influencer and advocate Remi Bader, and visual artist Tyler Mazaheri, among others.
The format of the soirée offered an up-close and personal viewing of the Pre-Fall 2023 collection. Balmain’s collection went beyond commercial offerings, showcasing a haute couture aesthetic with intricate beadwork, embroidery, and avant-garde shapes. Each piece demonstrated the brand’s attention to detail and innovative designs, from bow-style mini dresses to cape-style gowns paired with embellished skull caps.
Rousteing emphasized the importance of building a connection with his clients and guests, highlighting that the traditional fashion show format allows for only a brief moment on the runway. He expressed the beauty of having models interact with the attendees, enjoying the music, food, and drinks in a more intimate setting. This element of connection is especially meaningful in the aftermath of the pandemic, which forced people apart. The soirée was a moment for everyone to come together and celebrate Balmain as a collective.
But the celebrations didn’t stop there for Olivier Rousteing. He was set to be honored the following night at the 74th Annual Parsons Benefit, hosted by The New School. Rousteing, alongside Geoffroy Van Raemdonck, CEO of Neiman Marcus Group, and supermodel Naomi Campbell, would be recognized for his contributions to fashion and culture. The Parsons Benefit showcases the senior collections of selected graduate students in a runway show and honors individuals who embody creativity, innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, aligning with the university’s values.
Receiving this prestigious award humbled Rousteing, who expressed his gratitude by saying, “After ten years at Balmain, receiving this award is a dream come true…I fought so hard in my career to be who I am, and I keep fighting for my own rules and what I believe the world should be.” He also expressed his excitement about future collaborations with Parsons to recruit and support emerging talent.
The soirée at Hotel Chelsea was not only a celebration of the present but also a representation of the future that Rousteing envisions. Guests from different generations and diverse backgrounds came together, embodying the inclusivity and timelessness that Balmain strives for. Just like the iconic hotel, the clothes showcased at the soirée had a timeless quality and could be passed down from generation to generation. Rousteing described them as works of art that transcend time. The soirée perfectly captured the essence of Balmain and its commitment to elegance and artistic expression.
Useful links:
1. Balmain Official Website
2. Parsons School of Design Official Website
