Initial reaction:

Where can you go to find an insanely decadent smoking jacket studded with green rhinestones? Chez Balmain of course. Olivier Rousteing is filling a gap in menswear where subtle and minimal just won’t cut it. This is a wardrobe for Balmain’s international group of party people that aren’t afraid to peacock, and they’re doing it in loungy casual trousers topped off with jackets, heaving with gold braid, velvet and giant gleaming stones to mimic rubies and emeralds. Few houses would spare the expense. “Balmain is really close to performing and playing with the Balmain codes – a richness that guys might be looking for. There’s still a customer need for this high glamour,” said Rousteing. For the Balmain man about the world? Money is no object.  

International party people: 

“I’m inspired by hip hop and my friends going to parties in New York, LA and Dubai,” said Rousteing. It’s interesting that many designers are thinking ahead to a fluid fashion state, where being globetrotting citizens of the world means that the traditional boundaries of seasons and gender clothing codes are falling away from relevance. For Rousteing, he sees a man who is confident enough to borrow a jacket from his father’s wardrobe and then bling it up and pair it with a beanie and some luxe slip-ons.

Balmain boys:

Rousteing’s wishlist has already been filled. “I’ve had the chance to dress all the guys I’ve wanted to – Kanye, Jay Z, David Beckham, models – I’m happy that all the people that I want to be in it are already wearing it.”