Balmain to attend the Santa Fe indigenous fashion show

While he is just recovering from the traumatic event of the theft of 45 pieces from his collection, which was supposed to be presented 11 days later at Paris Fashion Week in September 2023, Olivier Rousteing has not lost his fighting spirit. It is in the direction of Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, that Balmain will fly next August. On August 18, 2024, the House will be present at the 102nd edition of the SWAIA Indigenous Fashion Show, an event that takes place every year in the third week of August and coincides with the Santa Fe Indian Market, the largest and most prestigious indigenous art market in the world. This fashion show, along with the Native Fashion Week, which started in May 2024 and also takes place in Santa Fe, are golden opportunities for indigenous art and the young artists of the movement who are eager to be known and show the world what they have in store. The presence of Balmain is therefore a boon that could well serve as a springboard for these emerging talents.

Opened by the singer Taboo, former member of the Black Eyed Peas, the event will bring together major indigenous Hollywood stars, such as actress Jessica Mattern, and will showcase the work of talented young designers who have already made their mark in the industry. Indeed, among the active participants in the project, we will find the first member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America Jamie Okuma, the star of the American reality show Project Runway Patricia Micheals or the rising star of styling Jontay Kham. Adding to this distinguished group is the presence of the House of Balmain, which will present a selection of pieces from the fall 2024 collection. One of the event's representatives participated in the Balmain show last year and, dazzled by Mr. Rousteing's proposals, instantly decided to include him in the show. A proposal that was obviously accepted by the designer. While this positive response may seem insignificant for the House of Balmain, there is no doubt that it will have a resounding impact on the visibility of indigenous fashion, aiming to elevate it in the global fashion debate.

Uncontested king of diversity and inclusion, Olivier Rousteing, creative director at Balmain since 2011 when he was only 25 years old, has always loudly proclaimed his values and fought tooth and nail to make fashion, which is so intransigent, a more open world. “I have the chance to express my vision of the world and diversity, so I really hope to change mindsets in my own way. I am a black designer working for a traditional and old House. This sends a positive message. I would also like fashion to push its own limits. Diversity should be a subject for all creatives. It is the future of fashion, it is part of me, and I will always fight for this diversity.”, he explained to Fashion Network a few years ago. Words that he combines with actions, associating the name of Balmain with this event that will serve as a showcase for contemporary indigenous fashion creations. An initiative to be applauded and a project to be closely followed.