Balmain

Balmain is a couture fashion house that was founded by Pierre Balmain in 1946. Balmian gained inspiration from his father, who owned a drapery business, and his mother, who owned a fashion boutique. He went to college for architecture but spent most of his time in school designing. He left school and served in the french air force and the army pioneer corps. Once peace was declared, he opened his own fashion house under his name. He later met designer Christian Dior who played a large role in his career and the fashion industry in general.

Couture originated in Paris which is why it is known as the birthplace f high end fashion. Couture items are one of a kind and the highest quality fashion available. Balmain had always set extremely high standards for couture. He created his designs because he believed that they were timeless and would universally celebrate the human form. He always worked towards making glamorous styles without looking flashy or gaudy. His designs always featured fine lined and extreme attention to detail. His designs were worn on women with prestige, and are now only warn by celebrities.

After Balmain's death in 1982, many influential designers have worked to maintain his brand aesthetic and continue his name. One of the most influential designers was Oscar de la Renta. He brought a famous face to the brand Balmain. De la Renta fit into the Balmain design aesthetic because of his attention to detail and classic designs. De la Renta also preferred modest and simple designs over flashy styles much like Balmain. Oscar de la Renta initially joined the brand to fight against the decline of couture.

Balmain brand has now branched out and produced many lines of ready to wear clothes that can be purchased on Balmain.com. The website features look books of the latest fashion week designs as well as campaigns and catwalk videos. The purchasable designs range from 2,000 to well over 10,000. These designs are of the highest quality luxury french designs. Celebrities such as Gigi Hadid, Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, and the Kardashian sisters have been seen wearing Balmain designs for both ready to wear and red carpet occasions. Kim Karsashian's appearance in a haute couture Balmain design at the 2015 Met Gala was timeless and iconic.