Olivier Rousteing's Balmain Spring/Summer 2026 collection, titled "Continuum," is a culmination of personal reflections, reflecting on the designer's journey of growth over the past 14 years with the house. Rousteing's decision to return to the Grand Hotel Intercontinental Ballroom-where he debuted his first collection in 2011 at the age of 26-is meant to be a manifesto: a new era built by challenging oneself and remaining true to the ongoing legacy.

If Olivier Rousteing's first collection was rigid and stereotypically luxurious, "Continuum" represents a significant softening. Olivier deconstructed the rigid uniforms of the previous "Balmain Army", transforming them into soft silhouettes of silk and satin. Luxury was interpreted organically and bohemian: dresses, shoes and bags were embroidered with clusters of seashells or wood beads of natural and humanistic origin, which rustled in motion.
This spirit is clearly expressed in a fresh colour palette, evoking the endless horizon of the beach: warm tones of sand, desert earth, cool green of oases and reddish brown of driftwood and coral. The clothes become light and flexible: soft drapes and pleats on satin, mousseline, georgette; the gentleness of Nappa leather and suede. Instead of the square-shouldered padded leather blazer of the past, there appear 80s-style leather blousons with action shoulders, along with parachute pants and bomber jackets like found vintage treasures.

The collection is a modern study of structure and rebirth, guided by the dreamy aspirations and pure faith of a child. Couture pieces are presented with a no-frills approach, such as a cashmere-cotton knit sweater in an elegantly twisted cowl, or a Balmain-inspired corset made from rose crystal with an amethyst effect, like a sculpture carved from the sea.

Natural and nautical elements abound: seashells adorn garments and accessories, a light dusting of sand is everywhere, crochet details, tassels and long, loose fringes evoke the charm of the traveller. Accessories in the collection also express the shift in heritage: the signature Sync and &Eacute;b&egrave;ne bags are decorated with the same details as the garments &ndash; from crochet textures to bohemian tassels and lucky charms like little coastal treasures. Seashells return on high-heeled sandals and flats, while waves and sand dunes are depicted on pumps and winter boots &ndash; featuring a slender hollow heel, expressing the intersection between architecture and boldness, heritage and modernity.
The art of making "Continuum" is Olivier's way of capturing the happiness and magic he felt during those summer nights on his favourite beach &ndash; a place to play, dream and be fully present with everything that has passed and everything that is yet to come. Therefore, returning to the Grand Hotel &ndash; the site of Olivier's first show with Balmain &ndash; signifies a new beginning in the "Continuum" journey: an extraordinary journey where he still considers himself an outsider more than 14 years ago &ndash; appointed as a young creative director of a long-standing haute couture house &ndash; and still himself today, steadfast, proud, embracing his own evolution as he creates a new Balmain era.

Balmain SS26: Continuum - A Journey of Maturity

Recommended posts for you

Ibiza

Invisible Geometry: Feng Shui and the Architecture of Flow in Ibiza

Fashion

Ayo Edebiri: First Muse of Chanel’s New Era

Fashion