Inspired by the founding spirit of Pierre Balmain and the city of Paris, the new Pre-fall collection of bags evokes the house’s history of couture.

The new 1945 SOFT bag collection from Balmain is bringing Pierre Balmain’s founding spirit into the latest contemporary couture. Re-imagined by Creative Director Olivier Rousteing and inspired by the original vintage Balmain bag, the 1945 SOFT makes perfect sense: An eye-catching bag created for the elegant woman on-the-go, reminiscent of the Balmain lifestyle DNA.

A bold line of soft patterned leather and jacquard bags with the iconic metallic signature plaque, inspired by the famous one in front of François 1er Balmain flagship boutique. In jacquard for the day, or in leather for the evening, the bag is available in a variety of eye-catching colors and iconic materials including leather, velvet, shearling and pearl embroideries the 1945 is a « chef d’œuvre » of refinement and perfection. The embossed version recalls Balmain’s distinctive house pattern that has graced the women’s ready-to-wear collection in the early ‘70s. In a double braided leather chain shoulder, cross- body, or porté pochette, the 1945 SOFT designs are built for every occasion.

The monogram motif evokes the labyrinthine French Renaissance gardens, which Pierre Balmain held a deep fascination for.

Rousteing wanted the bag to be functional, so he gave it a double flap with two main compartments and a hidden pocket – a secret place for storing love letters and bank notes. Gold embellishments fleck all new bags in the collection, a homage to Balmain and Rousteing pure craftmanship again and luxurious details which have been part of the fashion house since Pierre Balmain’s earliest days.

The 1945 SOFT collection will be available early June on Balmain’s website and in stores.