Eighty Years of Balmain: A Vogue100 Tribute at the Ritz Paris

At the esteemed Ritz Paris, Vogue100 joined forces with Balmain to celebrate a significant milestone: eighty years of Balmain showcased through the pages of American Vogue.

When Pierre Balmain launched his Paris-based fashion house in 1945, fashion editors celebrated the emergence of the “New French Style”—a seamless blend of architectural grace and modern femininity—that made its way from Paris runways to the editorial pages of Vogue, influencing wardrobes worldwide. Following his death in 1982, Erik Mortensen upheld the house’s dedication to couture; Oscar de la Renta introduced a vibrant elegance in the 1990s. The 2000s were characterized by Christophe Decarnin, whose rock-infused designs redefined the Parisian aesthetic for a fresh audience. Since 2011, Olivier Rousteing has led the brand, infusing Balmain with a bold sense of inclusivity, a flair for pop culture, and unyielding confidence.

As the evening progressed, guests transitioned from the sleek environments of the Ritz conservatory to a dimly lit salon, where historical Balmain pieces graced mannequins, each reflecting the house’s continuous relationship with Vogue. In a serene moment, Anna Wintour and Olivier Rousteing shared a pause—a designer and an editor united in recognizing Balmain’s timeless legacy, along with the evolving perspective through which Vogue has documented it: a narrative of fashion, creativity, and cultural impact that spans generations.