Balmain Men’s 2012 Spring/Summer collection focuses on the essentials of a man’s wardrobe – with each item touched by a spirit of wanderlust. Olivier Rousteing’s first men’s collection is inspired by the serene and open-minded manner of a man who lives to travel and explore unknown lands. The worn jeans and pastel-colored tees suggest sun-bleached fabrics. These are paired with more “sartorial” pieces, adding sophistication to the look. The ensembles play on the contrast between the essentially ‘rough’ style of a traveler and the more polished choices of a city-dweller. This mixture creates an urban look that has an untamed edge.

This play on the contrasts between city and wild is reflected in the choice of fabrics, also. Technical materials, including perforated leather and lacquered leather are paired with natural materials, including crocodile and python skins. The mix of “grain de poudre” tuxedo jackets with aged denim keeps the collection true to the recognizable style of the Balmain man.

The collection’s range of pastel colors contrasts with the black, white and occasional fluorescent tones that underline the silhouette’s modernity.

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