INDUSTRY INSPO Return Of The Shoulder Pad In Balmain’s SS 2021 Ready-To-Wear

The Jardin des Plantes played host to a radical resurrection of old favourites for Balmain’s Spring/Summer 2021 ready-to-wear collection. In celebration of Balmain’s 75th anniversary, creative director Olivier Rousteing, has been exploring the catacombs of the French house’s history with intention to unearth its hidden gems for a new day.

The return of the pagoda shoulder, a wardrobe staple of a bygone time, peppered the collection in a band of colours ranging from soft greys to blaring neon pinks and greens. The Balmain monogram jacquard from the 1970’s, used for couture coats, blouses, and travel bags also experienced a renaissance moment in an appearance previously alluded to on social media by Rousteing, who is known for his online savvy.

Unlike other brands who’s designs and approach seem to have been greatly influenced by the great lockdown period of 2020, Balmain didn’t seem to make much concession to comfortable, homey clothes, with the exception of a few pantsuits in jersey fabric to imitate the feel of a jogging suit.

In a fitting crescendo, Balmain’s Spring/Summer 2021 ready-to-wear collection is a hopeful shift towards establishing some form of normalcy for fashion, after the upheaval that has defined most of this year. Personally, I will be taking on board the shift towards purchasing “investment pieces” for my wardrobe, because those bold pagoda shouldered blazers are everything.

Images: Vogue Runway via Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com