Come one, come all, as November 5th represents a date that you’ll definitely want to keep. We’ve called it the collaboration of the decade, as the 5th of November marks the worldwide release of the H&M Autumn guest collaboration with the Parisian house of Balmain under the creative directorship of none other than the young Olivier Rousteing. While we wait for the collection’s launch with abated breath, we sit down with Olivier Rousteing and Ann-Sofie Johansson to learn more about the incredible collaboration.
Olivier Rousteing:
What does this collaboration with H&M mean to you, on a personal level?
For me, this collaboration is a dream come true. Collaborating with H&M is something that I’ve always dreamed about, and for H&M to want my world in their stores is a really big achievement for me. As a teenager I was a total H&M kid, and was always at the front of the queue for each new collaboration. I hope that my story is an inspiration for the kids who’ll be queuing for the H&M X Balmain collection, that if they work hard and believe in themselves maybe in ten years time it would be their turn to collaborate with H&M.
Can you tell us more about the collection’s inspiration?
The collection reflects the different elements of the Balmain world. There are pieces with the richest, most extraordinary embellishment and detailing, and others where the attitude comes from the cut and silhouette. Balmain is a Parisian house, and that sense of chic is in each of the pieces, as well as a pop culture vibe. There are signature Balmain pieces in the collection, such as the bodycon dress, the strong-shouldered blazer, and the leather pants. The accessories are vital to the collection, as well as the embellished wide belts that really complete the look.
How did the idea of the collaboration come about?
I wanted to give people around the world the Balmain pieces they’ve always dreamt of wearing. My followers always let me know which pieces they love through their comments on Instagram, so as soon as I was asked to create the collection, I knew immediately what I wanted to do. I also wanted the collection to show the diversity of Balmain, and how there are different pieces for different women, all with the same attitude, glamour and power.
You’ve created an inimitable identity for Balmain. How has this been translated into the collaboration with H&M?
I love that H&M let me design the collection how I wanted. I had complete freedom to design the pieces I wanted to see on the street, and to show the true DNA of Balmain. H&M has been so amazing to work with and I am so happy with the amazing standard. It’s in everything from the collection itself to the campaign to the launch event in October. This is the real world of Balmain.
What’s your opinion of the street fashion scene in the Middle East?
I’m so excited to see how the kids of the world are going to take the H&M X Balmain collection and wear it their own way. I’ve created a new hashtag #HMBalmaination so that everyone around the planet can share their look and show me their own style. It makes me so happy that today you can see what’s happening not just in your own city, but also on streets all around the world. I love the attitude of the street fashion scene in the Middle East, and how people are so specific about the details in the pieces that they love. I can’t wait till the collection finally hits the stores, and people can make H&M X Balmain part of their own style.
Ann-Sofie Johansson:
What does this collaboration with Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing mean to H&M?
We are thrilled to be collaborating with Olivier Rousteing for the H&M X Balmain collaboration. He is one of the most exciting young designers in the world, responsible for the brand full of energy and creativity. We love to give our customers an unforgettable experience with our collaborations and this collection with Balmain is something very special. We share so much in common with Olivier, especially his commitment to diversity. We are a truly global brand, and love to be part of a worldwide conversation about fashion and style. Olivier connects with the H&M generation, and we can’t wait to give them the chance to wear his clothes.
Can you tell us more about the hashtag #HMbalmaination?
When we first started talking about the collaboration, Olivier said that he wanted his own hashtag so that he could bring people together and unite them wherever they are in the world. He’s passionate about the power of fashion to break down boundaries and to create true diversity. The hashtag #HMBalmaination brings our worlds together to create this new worldwide community. We hope that on the day the collection enters the stores, everyone who buys a piece will take a selfie and use the hashtag. I know that Olivier will look at every single image!
How would you describe the collection?
The H&M X Balmain collection is such a rich and diverse collection with something for everyone. We are so proud of the embellished pieces, which are among the most complex and highly realized that we’ve ever created for a collaboration. There are also the most amazing tailored pieces that deliver such strength and confidence as soon as you put them on, as well as chic draped blouses and dresses, and of course, the most incredible accessories. I think Olivier has given us an extremely broad spectrum of the Balmain world, which I know our customers are going to love.
What are some of your favorite pieces from the collection?
The embellished long-sleeve dress is so extraordinary, it’s almost like you want to put it on the wall. I love the easiness of pieces such as the long embellished velvet blazer that Kendall Jenner wore to the Billboard Awards, because it shows a looser side of Balmain, while the strong-shouldered leather jacket is a classic piece that you will want to wear for years. I love all the silk shirts and draped velvet pieces; and the biker pants are so versatile. And I love the accessories; especially the wide embellished belts that Olivier sees almost like a piece of clothing in itself.
Finally, what was your experience working with Olivier, do you have any favorite moments?
I have so many amazing memories from working with Olivier. We did the fittings at his design studio in Paris, where he works with such a small young team. Their energy and enthusiasm was so inspiring and I loved how Olivier worked so hard and yet made sure we all had so much fun. We had a model with us all day to try on each piece, and it was fantastic to see Olivier work with the clothes, put the looks together, and show that this collection is truly Balmain.
The H&M X Balmain collection for men and women will be available from November 5th in Kuwait and worldwide. For more information, visit www.hm.com/kw.
The H&M X Balmain collection for men and women will be available from November 5th in Kuwait and worldwide. For more information, visit www.hm.com/kw.
