Oliver Rousteing’s free runway expands Balmain’s beachy creativity.
Balmain relaxes the runway in the Spring 2026 menswear collection of Paris Fashion Week. Earlier this month, this collection was featured in their spring/summer 2026 womenswear collection. Both were inspired by Rousteing’s “exercise in self-reflection” in taking on Balmain’s newness in fashion. While Rousteing begins his journey, he begins to manifest his collection on the beach, somewhere he “can see the landscape, see that sky.” Stepping away from the usual sharpness of style, Balmain is now headed toward a soft and casual aesthetic.
Sandy is the new black. Given the originality that came from this collection, Balmain has translated bohemian chic into the runway. Each attire is carefully put together, layered, with different textures and fabrics. Most feature silk paired with khaki bottoms and a stringy crossbody bag. At first glance, you can see that each piece was perfectly crafted to represent the beach. Many incorporated tassels, shells, straw, and mesh, giving it that comfortable sunny vibe.
Are sandals making a comeback? Rousteing paired each look with an open-toed straw sandal, completing the seaside luxury look. At a close glimpse, the sandals are made from the same stringy straw material as the bag. Some are paired with beads.
The silky pieces create a flowy water-like statement on the runway. While not trying to completely leave their usual modest casual look behind, towards the end of the show, Balmain uses suit-like material to finish off their classic sea style.
