Balmain’s new, more affordable line, Pierre Balmain, doesn’t start hitting stores until early December, but a first look at the debut collection, for Spring 2012 — is in order.
The new line covers everything from eveningwear to daywear, tailoring to jeans, and will be created by a separate design team from Olivier Rousteing, who is set to concentrate exclusively on the higher-end Balmain label. As Balmain chairman and CEO Alain Hivelin explains the dichotomy, Rousteing will make the “quintessentially Parisian” main collection “even more sophisticated and couture-like — without, of course, renouncing that ‘rock’ aesthetic that has been so important for us the last few years.” Whereas: “The Pierre Balmain collection translates the codes of Balmain in a more casual and relaxed manner … We see Pierre Balmain as a new and distinct brand that is inspired by the successes and history of a great house, but offers a look and product that respond to the needs and desires of today’s marketplace.”
Prices for Pierre Balmain — in light of the Balmain mainline’s infamously sky-high prices — are to range from $172 for T-shirts, $363 for jeans, and up to $1,291 for eveningwear. Can’t wait !
BubblesPop 