The Balmain Spring-Summer 2016 Menswear Collection in Review

The Balmain Spring-Summer 2016 menswear collection signed by the French label’s creative director Olivier Rousteing was presented during Paris Fashion Week and was one of the best collections of the season. With a theme that merged a desert aesthetic with military elements that were juxtaposed with an urban vibe, the collection was the reflection of an adventurous spirit and of a man who wants, or better said, feels the need to take on the world.

The collection, composed of fitted jackets, draped tops and trousers, layered shorts and sandals referred the history of military clothing, borrowing elements from many times and places, from the Roman fighters to the adventurers of the 19^th century.

However, the core element of the collection was its journey and explorer aesthetic, which, however, was not only a journey and a traveling experience in the material way, but also in a spiritual manner. Thinking about his guys, Olivier stated that “they are discovering the world, traveling as an aventurier, trying to find treasures … being a strong man discovering the world.” The new Balmain man runs, climbs, swims and does all the things he can to feel complete.

With such a powerful metaphor contained in a collection, we can definitely conclude that the story of Rousteing’s collection is a bildungsroman.

Olivier’s first menswear show featured many bold choices: much khaki and caramel, which is always a great fashion risk, many rich, but light embellishments such as intricate ribbons, and we could even see many desirable accessories and bags walk down the runway. The desert exploration theme served as a metaphor for creation and development.

At the end of the road, Olivier Rousteing characterized his noble and contemplative collection the best saying that “One of the most fascinating things about designing is the – for lack of a better word – “therapeutic value” of what we create. Clothing changes self-perceptions – after all, isn’t that the whole point of this industry?”

 

 

In the gallery below, we are taking a look at the best menswear looks from the collection, which, as a side note, were very in sync with the womenswear looks, which is not a very common thing in the fashion world.

 

 

 

 

Fraquoh and Franchomme

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. What are your opinions on the Balmain Spring-Summer 2016 menswear collection? Which look was your favorite? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook or Twitter!