With each model striding down the runway, Balmain unveils a collection that is as daring as it is mesmerizing, showcasing a blend of the house’s historic savoir-faire and innovative craftsmanship with cutting-edge design.

Balmain drew inspiration from Pierre Balmain’s green thumb and integrated notions of the founder’s fruit garden into this collection. While the initial inspiration started with Monsieur Balmain, Olivier Rousteing found himself using his own fashion and personal history while designing, a perfect blend of the two is prevalent. This can be seen with pieces incorporating apple and strawberry embellishments with outstanding prints and 3D expressions of grapes, a reference to Olivier’s hometown Bordeaux.

This season combines the bold architectural lines and precise tailoring of Pierre Balmain’s ‘New French Style’ with the graceful dignity and refinement of Bordeaux—resulting in a collection that reflects the timeless style of savvy French women of all ages.

Beyond its celebrated allure, Bordeaux has a whole lot of rain. Which explains why the trench is an essential component of every garde-robe bordelaise. The collection updates the familiar lines of some of Pierre Balmain’s most notable trenches and extending that recognizable style into a range of skirts, dresses, pants and short jackets. Additionally, designs were accessorized with an array of new spins on traditional French shopping bags, converting routine string, panier and wicker market styles into some surprising and unexpected luxury offerings.

The brand managed to reference all the ingredients needed for the ideal Balmain pique-nique. And there’s one additional element that is associate with Bordeaux’s grapes, cuisine and gardens: the beautiful escargot. Olivier’s team found unexpected ways to include the snail shell’s mesmerizing spirals inside this collection, including coiled stitching, a golden metal breast plate and a wide array of coquille-inspired buttons, jewels and ornaments.

Throughout this runway, the artisans of the Balmain Atelier make very evident their mastery of traditional Parisian couture techniques, with impressive draping, perfect pleating, stunning embellishments and skilled leatherwork.