Bohemian style at the Balmain show

Closing the third day of Paris Fashion Week, Olivier Rousteing brought a wave of heat straight from the Mediterranean beaches to the Balmain runway. With sand dresses and seashell bags, the Spring/Summer 2026 collection promises to be hot.

The summer inspiration of the Spring/Summer 2026 show

For the nostalgic ones, thinking about a summer swept away too quickly by the first autumn leaves, Olivier Rousteing has an answer. Sand made an appearance on the runway, from the very first silhouettes unveiled this on October 1st, 2025, beneath the grand dome of the Intercontinental Hotel. Models walked in large sirwals and parachute pants, echoing the designer’s love for deconstructed volumes.

In a heart beat, the Balmain collection morphed into an ode to the beach and the sea, where the designer spent his summer holiday as a child. Seashells multiplied embroidered on tops, skirts, and even on sandals.

Later, a dress emerged, revealed by a towel simply tied around the waist. Meanwhile, the tops recalled the technique used for the spectacular sand dress worn by singer Tyla at the 2024Met Gala. The design gave the impression that a fine layer of golden dust was delicately draped over the shoulders.

A Balmain collection with bohemian influences

The Balmain woman is undeniably bohemian and remembers her heritage very well. Satin, silk, braided leather, linen, and cotton blend with seashells, fringes, and wooden beads to create a rich and elegant wardrobe. Even the accessories reflect this idea of continuity and transformation. The house’s iconic Sync and Ebony bags are adorned with crochet textures, fringes, and small charms reminiscent of treasures found in the sand. The footwear was inspired by sand dunes, down to their carved heels.

“To me, this collection is more than just a carefully curated line of clothing and accessories. It is an assemblage of reflections and emotions that embody my own personal growth throughout all these years at Balmain,” Olivier Rousteing explained in a statement.

Fourteen years after making his debut for Balmain in this very location, the designer, who just celebrated his 40th birthday, continues to move the house forward, blending heritage and modernity. With Continuum, he envisions a collection that lives in sync with the wind and waves. His strong vision has always allowed his to dream and innovate.

Quatorze ans après avoir fait ses débuts pour Balmain dans ce même lieu, le designer qui vient de fêter son quarantième anniversaire continue de faire évoluer la maison, combinant héritage et modernité. Avec Continuum, il imagine une collection qui vit au rythme du vent et des vagues, tout en incarnant une vision forte qui n’a jamais cessé de rêver et d’innover.