Balmain designer Olivier Rousteing wants us to praise female trouble makers. Inspired by the women of his generation who “demand control and are not content to simply push back—instead they revel in pushing forward (while also pushing every single button along the way)” Rousteing aims to dress these women for Fall 2019 in armor that will protect them as they embark upon their daily battles.
The result? Well, it’s quite literal. A series of heavily spiked looks opened the show to Eurythmics Sweet Dreams. Shoulders on blazers, capes, and dresses are wide; the pants are baggy. Skirts also flare widely or come with a major train. Rousteing’s woman is ready to take up space. Even the pastel pieces come with a bit of edge—larger shoulder pads and spikes all over for example. It’s a common theme this season—acknowledging the perils of womanhood in the 21st century and making sure there’s enough armor to go around. It’s a comfort to know that Balmain joins the list of designers who are ready to protect and serve.
Nikki Ogunnaike is the senior digital director of Harper's Bazaar, where she oversees a team of editors and writers who cover the culture of style across the website, video, and social media. She has previously held roles at GQ, ELLE, Glamour, InStyle, and Vanity Fair. You may also recognize Nikki from her time as the host of Snapchat’s Online, IRL and IGTV's The Run Through. In her free time Nikki enjoys running half marathons, learning about wine, and watching reality TV without an ounce of shame.
