Balmain Awakens Its Fragrance Legacy with Les Éternels de Balmain

Balmain's creative director, Olivier Rousteing, has long dreamed of developing fragrances for the iconic French fashion house. That dream has now become a reality with the launch of Les Éternels de Balmain, a captivating collection of eight genderless scents that pay homage to Balmain's rich heritage while infusing it with Rousteing's modern, visionary approach.

Unlocking the Timeless Allure of Balmain's Fragrance Legacy

Reviving Iconic Scents, Crafting New Olfactory Visions

The Les Éternels de Balmain collection is a carefully curated blend of historic Balmain fragrances, reimagined for the modern era, and entirely new creations that capture the essence of the brand. Four of the eight scents, including Bronze and Rouge, are completely original, while the remaining four, such as the revitalized Ivoire and Ébène, are reinterpreted classics.

A Journey of Nostalgia and Reinvention

For Rousteing, the creation of Les Éternels de Balmain was deeply personal, rooted in his own memories and connection to the brand. The designer's love of fragrance traces back to his childhood, with the Guerlain and Chanel scents worn by his mother and grandmother serving as olfactory touchstones. As he took the helm at Balmain in 2011, he was reminded of his grandmother's fond recollections of the house's iconic Ivoire fragrance, igniting his passion to explore and revive the brand's fragrance legacy.

Honoring the Vision of Pierre Balmain

Balmain's fragrance history dates back to the very founding of the fashion house in 1945, with the brand's first scent, Élysées 64-83, debuting in 1946, followed by the pioneering Vent Vert in 1947. Rousteing was deeply inspired by Pierre Balmain's pioneering spirit and commitment to crafting exceptional fragrances that embodied the house's elegance and innovation. This fragrance expertise has always been intertwined with Balmain's DNA, and Rousteing was determined to honor and build upon this rich heritage.

Unlocking the Potential of Balmain Beauty

The launch of Les Éternels de Balmain marks a significant milestone in the house's history, as it represents the first major fragrance collection since 2017. This partnership with the Estée Lauder Companies has provided Balmain with a clean slate to fully realize the brand's potential in the luxury beauty realm, with Rousteing and the Lauder team working in close collaboration to bring his visionary approach to life.

Diversifying the Fragrance Landscape

Rousteing's commitment to diversity and inclusivity has been a driving force behind the creation of Les Éternels de Balmain. By crafting a collection of eight distinct scents, each with its own personality and storytelling, Rousteing and his team aimed to challenge the traditional boundaries of fragrance and cater to a diverse range of individuals and preferences. This approach aligns with Rousteing's long-standing advocacy for representation and his desire to redefine the beauty landscape.

Elevating the Art of Fragrance Creation

To ensure the success of this ambitious fragrance endeavor, Rousteing immersed himself in the world of perfumery, attending one of the top fragrance schools in Paris to gain a deeper understanding of the craft. This hands-on approach, coupled with his collaborative efforts with renowned perfumers, has resulted in a collection that seamlessly blends Balmain's rich heritage with Rousteing's innovative vision.

Crafting Captivating Olfactory Experiences

Each of the eight fragrances that comprise Les Éternels de Balmain has been meticulously crafted to evoke a distinct emotional response and transport the wearer to a specific moment or memory. From the smoldering sensuality of Carbone to the dreamlike escapism of Sel d'Ambre, the collection offers a diverse array of olfactory experiences, each with its own unique narrative and appeal.

Bridging the Gap Between Fashion and Fragrance

Rousteing's holistic approach to the Les Éternels de Balmain project has extended beyond the fragrances themselves, with the designer closely involved in the development of the collection's captivating visual identity and storytelling. The campaign, featuring a diverse cast of models and a strong connection to Balmain's fashion and accessories, underscores the inseparable link between the brand's fashion and fragrance offerings.

A New Chapter in Balmain's Legacy

The launch of Les Éternels de Balmain represents a significant milestone for the fashion house, as it ushers in a new era of fragrance innovation and exploration. With Rousteing's visionary leadership and the support of the Estée Lauder Companies, Balmain is poised to reclaim its rightful place as a leader in the luxury fragrance realm, captivating both loyal fans and new admirers with its timeless allure and modern sensibility.