Pierre Balmain was only 30 years old in August 1944, when Paris was liberated. And once freedom arrived, Balmain decided it was time to find his own couture house, quickly setting up his atelier inside a recently vacated space on 44 Rue de François Premier—one which had been previously requisitioned by the Nazis during the long occupation. The designer’s memoirs make clear that he felt he simply could not wait any longer to make a change—and he definitely wasn’t the only Parisian looking for new beginnings at that time. All around him, one could spy brave green shoots of the beginning of a cultural rebirth. France was entering into what would later be called its année zero — Year Zero. After so much had been destroyed, suddenly so much seemed ready to start anew. Startling and exceptional visions in music, literature, theatre and cinema were being pushed forward by the remarkable young talents of that time, creating an explosion of creativity that began in Paris immediately after the war and continued for decades afterwards.

But while liberated Paris may have been hungry for changes, original ideas and a better future—Paris was also, quite literally, just plain hungry. It was a very difficult time for many Parisians—an era of rationing, shortages, instability and anxiety. In spite of that—just like the other bold talents of liberated France—Pierre Balmain was filled with an optimistic confidence in better days ahead. In October 1945, Balmain’s drive, audaciousness and distinctive outlook resulted in his first collection putting forward an extraordinarily fresh and feminine vision—one that was hailed as a “New French Style” by Alice B Toklas. His unique and immediately popular vision ensured that Pierre Balmain would be among the handful of daring designers responsible for France’s historic post-war fashion renaissance—helping to make very clear to all that Paris remained fashion’s capital.

Ever since he first began overseeing the house’s collections in 2011, at the young age of 25, Olivier Rousteing has been determined to design clothes that reflect the way that his generation wishes to dress today. The result is a truly unique and recognizable silhouette, style and attitude that build upon the impressive craftsmanship that the house’s ateliers are celebrated for, as well as the legacy of founder Pierre Balmain, who—just like Olivier Rousteing—is recognized for having never been afraid of going against well-established conventions.

With a long history of seeking inspiration in the compelling art, ground-breaking music and powerful voices of the day, Balmain is also an acknowledged leader in establishing innovative and exciting pathways to reach out directly to its followers.

Balmain’s surprising—and often unorthodox—marketing, communication and strategic choices manifest the desire of both Olivier Rousteing and the entire house to constantly push to democratize and modernize the all-too-often closed-off fashion world, while making very clear that Balmain will never shy away from pushing each and every envelope.

 

Since 2016, Balmain has been controlled by Mayhoola For Investments LLC. This has allowed for rapid growth and a host of new possibilities for the historic house of Balmain.
Balmain’s unique global vision of style is expressed each year in a series of new offerings and creations, including the house’s men’s, women’s and children’s collections, eyewear, leather accessories and luggage.

Rachid Mohamed Rachid生于埃及，杰出企业家和投资家，现担任Balmain巴尔曼董事长、Alsara投资集团及其子公司Bidayat的创始人兼董事长。Alsara国际投资集团专注于奢饰品和健康行业，Bidayat公司则致力于投资和培育年轻的珠宝、时尚和配饰品牌，并带领它们走向世界。Rachid还是国际领先的奢品时尚公司华伦天奴（Valentino）的董事长，以及立顿茶饮（Lipton Teas and Infusions）集团的监事会成员。 他曾担任埃及贸易工业部部长，是第一位在内阁身居要职的国际商人。他积极实施改革，鼓励竞争，并强化各个工业部门，在经济自由化改革中发挥了带头作用，助力埃及外国直接投资额创下新高。他在任期间，埃及的年工业增长率超过了20%，出口额增长了两倍。 进入内阁之前，Rachid曾任联合利华在埃合资公司的创始人和董事长，并被任命为联合利华中东与北非和土耳其地区总裁。 意大利总统还亲自为他颁发了“意大利共和国大十字骑士勋章”。