The Glamour of Grunge

08.06.2022, 12:40 harpersbazaar.com

The '90s have triumphantly returned to the forefront of the fashion zeitgeist. Olivier Rousteing is channeling his nostalgic affinity for the era with a glamour that's distinctly Balmain. This season, house tweeds are paired with distressed denim; houndstooth gets an edge via oversized silhouettes; and intricate embroideries that have marked much of the brand's heritage—as well as Rousteing's turn as creative director—are intentionally imperfect. And the nods to the rebellious alternative rock heyday though tattered fabrics, plaids, and combat boots are what New York-based stylist Rashad Minnick describes as "a perfectly executed blend of the past and the future." To compliment the look, Rousteing and Balmain enthusiasts alike are turning to the newest interpretation of the Maisons's signature 1945 bag.