Balmain

“Dressmaking is the architecture of movement,” Pierre Balmain once said. And architecture, it turns out, would become fundamental to the design house’s DNA. Balmain – who studied architecture for a brief time – was catapulted into the spotlight as a result of his post-war “Jolie Madame” look of statement shoulders, nipped waists and bouffant skirts, and remained as a top couturier due to his lavish designs. Throughout the years, a bevy of designers from Oscar de la Renta to Christophe Decarnin took over at the atelier in an attempt to carry on the tradition of strong silhouettes and richly-embroidered statement pieces. But it was Olivier Rousteing, appointed Creative Director in 2011, who brought the famed fashion house back to the architectural and into the 21st century. Now, Balmain is renowned for structured shoulders, embellished cocktail dresses, distressed jeans and a heavy Baroque sensibility. Opt for opulence and shop our selection of Balmain womenswear below.