“Serge Gainsbourg and Michael Jackson having a talk” is how Olivier Rousteing describes his most recent collection. The creative director of BALMAIN since 2009, has revolutionized the fashion industry by breaking all the rules only to make his own. Making an entrance into the fashion world at only 24, the French designer has well earned his legacy on the industry.

Given that fashion and music are his favorite things in the world, his designs have been strongly influenced by great artists such as Michael Jackson and Serge Gainsbourg, making them the main focus of his SPRING MENSWEAR 2019 collection. The collection described as “preppy goes crazy” has many elements that represent Jackson’s American style or Gainsbourg French style. Such as the legendary red leather jacket in look 5, the denim over denim in look 10, the statement coat in look 23, the varsity jacket seen in look 26, plus the socks on top of pants with loafers seen in most of the looks or the wide shoulders in the jackets.

In addition, Rousteing used red, blue and white as the main colors of his scheme. Which they represent both, the American, and French flag, further enhancing his intentions. The entire collection featured sequins, BALMAIN lettering, tiny crystals, silver foil fabrics. Which I might add, are not things that you expect to see in men clothes but for Rousteing his designs are not focused to fit “one kind of guy… young or older, nor skinny or fat” but about ‘being yourself’ when wearing their clothes.

Appart from the clothes, the venue for the show was a beautiful building owned by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The historical setting added charm to the entire show making it extraordinary.

Yet, as amazing as all his looks were, no one can’t help but wonder why there were women walking down the runway when it’s supposed to be a menswear collection. We only managed to find one possible answer for this; Rousteing is here to fight the establishment, and bring some diversity into the luxury world.

CREDITS: All images are taken from VOGUE and GETTY IMAGES