Balmain (fashion house) facts for kids
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| Société Anonyme | |
| Industry | Fashion |
| Founded | 1945 |
| Founder | Pierre Balmain |
| Headquarters |
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France
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Area served
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Worldwide |
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Key people
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Olivier Rousteing, Head Designer |
| Products | Haute couture, ready-to-wear, perfume, jewellery |
| Owner | Mayhoola for Investments |
Balmain is a famous French luxury fashion house. It was started by Pierre Balmain in 1945. Balmain is known for its beautiful and fancy clothing, including Haute couture (custom-made high fashion) and ready-to-wear (clothes sold in standard sizes).
Today, Balmain has more than 50 stores around the world. Its main store is in Paris, France. You can also find Balmain stores in big cities like Tokyo, New York City, London, and Milano.
In 2016, a company from Qatar called Mayhoola for Investments bought Balmain. This helped the brand grow even more.
Contents
History of Balmain
Pierre Balmain's Early Years (1945–1982)
Pierre Balmain was born in France in 1914. His family was already involved in fashion; his father owned a fabric business, and his mother and sister had a fashion shop. Pierre loved designing clothes from a young age.
He studied architecture for a short time, but he spent most of his time designing dresses. After working for other famous designers, he opened his own fashion house in Paris in October 1945. He released his first collection of clothes and his first perfume, called Jolie Madame, in 1949.
After World War II, Pierre Balmain became a very important figure in French fashion. Many famous people wore his designs, including movie stars like Ava Gardner and Brigitte Bardot, and even Queen Sirikit of Thailand.
New Designers Take Over (1982–2002)
After Pierre Balmain passed away in 1982, other talented designers continued his legacy.
Erik Mortensen (1982–1990)
Erik Mortensen, who had worked with Pierre Balmain for many years, took over as the head designer. He worked hard to keep the brand's classic style while also bringing new ideas to the fashion world. He even won important fashion awards for his collections.
Hervé Pierre (1990–1992)
After Erik Mortensen, designer Hervé Pierre led the design team for a couple of years.
Oscar de la Renta (1993–2002)
One of the most famous designers to lead Balmain was Oscar de la Renta. He joined the house in 1993. Oscar de la Renta was already well-known in the fashion world. He was born in the Dominican Republic and lived in New York City.
He shared Pierre Balmain's love for classic, simple, and detailed designs. Oscar de la Renta helped Balmain during a time when high fashion was changing, and he brought a lot of attention to the brand.
The Modern Balmain Era (2005–Present)
Christophe Decarnin (2005–2011)
In 2005, Christophe Decarnin became the head designer. He wanted to make Balmain more modern and exciting. He introduced flashy and expensive pieces that were different from the brand's traditional classic look. He became a "star designer," and his style made Balmain very popular.
Olivier Rousteing (2011–Present)
In 2011, Olivier Rousteing took over as the new head designer. He had joined Balmain in 2009 and had studied fashion in France.
When he was first appointed, Olivier Rousteing was not very well known. However, he brought a fresh and new style to Balmain that is still seen today. He added influences from Asian fashion, as many of Balmain's customers come from Asia.
In 2016, Balmain opened a new main store in New York City. Later that year, the company was officially bought by Mayhoola Investments.
In 2017, Olivier Rousteing launched Balmain's first line of accessories, like bags and jewelry. In 2018, he introduced a new logo for the brand.
Balmain has also worked with other brands and celebrities. In 2019, they teamed up with model Cara Delevingne and sports brand Puma to create a collection of athletic wear.
In 2023, Olivier Rousteing faced a challenge when a van carrying over 50 designs for a fashion show was robbed. Despite this, he made sure the show went on and presented a beautiful collection.
Other Balmain Products
Balmain doesn't just make clothes! They also have other exciting products.
Special Collections
Balmain has created special collections over the years.
- In 2011, they launched a line called Pierre Balmain for men and women, which was a bit more casual. This line was later stopped in 2018.
- In 2015, Balmain worked with the popular Swedish store H&M to release a special collection that was very popular.
Fragrances
Balmain has a long history of making perfumes. Their first fragrance, Jolie Madame, came out in 1949. In 2022, Balmain announced a new partnership with Estée Lauder Companies to create more perfumes.
Cosmetics and Hair Products
Balmain also has products for beauty and hair.
- In 2013, they launched their own line of hair care and styling products.
- In 2017, they worked with L’Oreal to create a special lipstick collection.
- In 2019, Balmain teamed up with makeup entrepreneur Kylie Jenner for a makeup collection called KYLIE X BALMAIN. Kylie Jenner also helped design the makeup for Balmain's Spring-Summer 2020 fashion show.
- In 2023, Balmain Hair celebrated 50 years of making luxury hair products.
Lingerie and Jewellery
- In 2017, Balmain created a special collection of lingerie with Victoria's Secret.
- In 2022, Balmain launched its very first collection of fine jewellery.
Head Designers of Balmain
Here are the talented designers who have led Balmain over the years:
- 1945–1982: Pierre Balmain
- 1982–1986: Peggy Huynh Kinh
- 1982–1990: Erik Mortensen
- 1990–1992: Hervé Pierre Braillard
- 1993–2002: Oscar de la Renta
- 2002-2003: Laurent Mercier
- 2003–2006: Christophe Lebourg
- 2006–2011: Christophe Decarnin
- 2011–: Olivier Rousteing
Giving Back (Philanthropy)
Balmain also believes in helping others.
- In 2018, Balmain worked with (RED), an organization that fights diseases like AIDS. They auctioned off special outfits from a big fashion event called the Met Gala, and all the money went to help people affected by these diseases. Balmain has continued to work with (RED) on other projects.
