DUBAI: French fashion designer Olivier Rousteing presented his 10th collection as creative director for Parisian luxury maison Balmain this week with a little help from supermodels such as catwalk stars Imaan Hammam and Nora Attal.
Moroccan-Egyptian-Dutch Hammam and Moroccan-British Attal both took multiple turns down Balmain’s Spring 2022 ready-to-wear runway at the Seine Musicale concert hall during Paris Fashion Week, wearing a revisited version of Rousteing’s most iconic designs from the past decade.
Imaan Hammam turned heads at Balmain’s Spring 2022 ready-to-wear show. Getty Images
Hammam opened the 114-look show wearing a black, bandage-inspired minidress with a midriff-baring cutout before changing into a hooded, form-fitting, stretchy dress worn with matching puffer heels.
“Merci beaucoup @olivier_rousteing!!” wrote Hammam on Instagram after the show. “Congratulations on your 10 years. You are the most kind/ loving human and it was such a pleasure to walk for you,” she added, alongside a carousel of images from her turns down the catwalk.
Imaan Hammam opened the Balmain show. Getty Images
For her part, Attal strutted down the catwalk wearing a top that appeared to be a giant gold chain, with the links positioned horizontally, covering her top half in a halter style.
For her second look, the 22-year-old turned heads in a chain-embellished minidress.
The models-of-the-moment were joined on the runway by some of the most legendary supermodels of the 1990s, such as Naomi Campbell and Carla Bruni. Natasha Poly, Natalia Vodianova, Milla Jovovich, Lara Stone, Karen Elson, Edie Campbell, Precious Lee, Soo Joo Park and Mariacarla Boscono also took turns down the catwalk.
Nora Attal took two turns down the runway. Getty Images
Superstar Beyonce also made a cameo during the star-studded event, albeit digitally. The “Single Ladies” hitmaker lent her voice to the Balmain mega show, reflecting on Rousteing’s vision for the French house and achievements over the course of the last 10 years. “You helped me make my musical statement,” the singer said. “You helped me amplify my message. Your designs have made me feel powerful… Balmain is your amazing tool for both beauty and change. Your outlook, your convictions, and your talent have affected and moved all of us.”
US singer and rapper Doja Cat followed up the show with a special performance at Balmain’s music festival, with a set from Franz Ferdinand rounding out the evening.