Balmain brought out the world’s biggest supermodels for the runway of its H&M collaboration—staged in the same empty space at 23 Wall Street where brands like Proenza Schouler have put on their catwalk presentations. There was an undeniable Nineties flair, from the Backstreet Boys performing their hit 1997 song “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” to the choker necklaces that looked like modern-day spins on something Nancy Downs would wear in The Craft.

Balmain x H&M

Balmain x H&M

Balmain x H&M

To say that the marketing and promotion for the collaboration has been “epic” would be a gross understatement. From hitting the red carpet with two of his favorite supermodels in tow, to creating the #HMBALMAINNATION hashtag and encouraging fans to take pictures of their looks once they get their hands on the goods are just a couple of moves Olivier Rousteing has made. He did deliver with a collection that looked exactly like the runway designs he produces each season: sexy to the max.

Balmain x H&M

Balmain x H&M

Balmain x H&M

All of the brand’s signatures were on display including pearl-embellished boxy blazers, silky harem pants, strong-shouldered blouses, extravagant buttons, and beading wherever possible. You can expect to see these looks on nights out for many a stylish woman in the world’s fashion capitals.

Balmain x H&M

Balmain x H&M

Balmain x H&M

Die-hard fans of the fashion house who cannot afford its seasonal wares aren’t looking for something wholly original, but I think a bit of freshness and ingenuity would have pleased the fashion set for sure. At $649 for one of the assortment’s priciest frocks, many of us could wait for a sale to snag actual Balmain. But I suppose this fast fashion partnership isn’t meant to deter anyone from buying the brand in the first place.

Balmain x H&M

Balmain x H&M

Balmain x H&M

At any rate, the collection radiates both the confidence and sophistication that is intrinsic to the core of Balmain. For women who want to look good and feel the same way just by slipping on a jacket or pair of boots, we’d say the long lines and impending website crashes will be worth enduring for this.

Balmain x H&M

Balmain x H&M

Balmain x H&M

Set your calendars for November 5th, when you’ll be able to shop all of the above.

Balmain x H&M

Balmain x H&M

Balmain x H&M

Will you be buying anything from Balmain x H&M?

Balmain x H&M

Balmain x H&M

Balmain x H&M

Balmain x H&M

Images: WWD

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