Balmain goes to the Ballet

I was just as surprised as you were when Balmain announced that Olivier Rousteing would be creating a number of outfits for the Paris Opera Ballet. Balmain, all glitz, glamour and celebrity compared to the refined, traditional ballet couldn't be more dissimilar, yet Rousteing's collection for the Paris Opera is nothing short of spectacular. Jewelled matador jackets, nude leggings, encrusted leotards that cling to the body - all the pieces are beautiful and I can imagine, a little difficult to dance in. Nevertheless, the costumes are wonderful and forge a link between the worlds of ballet and fashion.

"I think what you feel in these clothes is that it’s really couture, which for me was important," Rousteing said in a statement. "When you have the chance to sketch for the Opéra de Paris, you know that there may be a young designer in 30 or 40 years who will be like, 'Oh, that was Balmain!’ It’s what I feel today when I see the Christian Lacroix costumes." In the past designers such as Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Christian lacroix have all designed costumes for the Opera de Paris, with Chanel famously working with the Ballet Russe.

The below photos are taken during dance training at the ballet, with the dancers showcasing their new Balmain outfits. Really stunning photographs, with all credit going to Luc Braquet.