“For me. there’s never been a clear boundary between music and fashion. That’s simply the way my generation grew up. I can’t conceive of one without the other. So, Balmain’s offerings are always closely tied to music—its melodies inspire me, its beats push me forward at each step of the creative process and its messages become key component of every collection."

In 2020, the Colombian superstar Maluma, after noting how perfectly the relaxed Miami Vibe spirit of Balmain’s latest men’s offerings meshed with the singer’s unique Caribbean-infused music, reached out to Olivier Rousteing to have him design his outfit for a live VMA performance. That led to the two working closely together on a whole new line of designs intended for his tour—and, ultimately, to the release of a special, limited-edition collection of Balmain-Maluma sneakers and ready-to-wear designs.

“‘I’ve worn one-of-a-kind Balmains in arenas all across the globe, in videos shot inside the world’s finest museum and during some very important personal moments, as well.

And—maybe you remember?—there were also two very special weekends in Coachella…

That’s where we showed the world what’s possible when two perfectionists get together (yes, let’s remember, we are both Virgos!) My team, your team, you, me—we worked like mad to make every one of those hundreds of looks exactly right for those special concerts, those special weekends.

And we did it. Yes. We did it.

You’ve helped me make my musical statements and you’ve helped me to amplify my messages—and your designs have made me feel beautiful.

Thank you, Olivier.”
Beyoncé

Franz Ferdinand, closed the Second Balmain Festival celebrations — the Scottish band has been a favorite of Olivier Rousteing ever since his days as a young student in Bordeaux.

First introduced to soft falsetto of Shygirl by London friends, Olivier Rousteing was very happy to bring her across the Channel, in order to highlight her playful and sensual creations during the third Balmain Festival.

The Balmain Festival is Balmain’s annual celebration of the beautiful possibilities that might be achieved by combining the best in music and fashion. So, to close the third festival, there couldn’t possibly be a better artist than Cher. After all, she’s been making it clear to everyone—ever since the ‘60s—just how powerful the perfect combo of those two arts can be.

“When a legend reaches out to request your collaboration, it is, of course, an honor. I’m proud to know that Björk values my artistic vision—and, I’m incredibly happy to see my couture, (which I see as a moment to express my most creative vision), adapted by a visionary who is a non-stop force in experimental creativity.”
Olivier Rousteing