In a groundbreaking collaboration, fashion powerhouse Balmain Paris and beauty giant The Estée Lauder Companies have joined forces to reintroduce Balmain to the world of luxury fragrances. The result? A captivating collection of eight all-gender eaux de parfum christened “Les Éternels de Balmain.”
This olfactory masterpiece, launched in 2022, embodies the essence of Pierre Balmain’s Parisian legacy while embracing the innovative vision of Olivier Rousteing, Balmain’s Creative Director since 2011. Rousteing, determined to be the driving force behind Balmain Beauty, immersed himself in the art of perfumery, mastering every aspect from concept to scent development and package design.
A Symphony of Scents
The inaugural collection showcases eight multi-layered fragrances, each a testament to the brand’s commitment to luxury and innovation. These scents are categorized into four distinct olfactive families: Musk, Amber, Floral, and Woody, offering a diverse range of aromatic experiences.
In a nod to Balmain’s rich heritage, Rousteing handpicked four legendary scents from the brand’s archives for modern reinvention: Vent Vert, Ivoire, Ébène, and Carbone. Complementing these reimagined classics are four entirely new fragrances: Sel d’Ambre, Rouge, Bronze, and Bleu Infini, completing a collection that bridges past and present.
A Fusion of Artistry and Innovation
Guillaume Jesel, President and CEO of Tom Ford and Luxury Business Development at The Estée Lauder Companies, praised Rousteing’s visionary approach: “Olivier Rousteing is one of the most accomplished designers of his generation, inventing revolutionary concepts at the confluence of past, present, and future. Bringing his vision for Balmain Beauty to life has been an extraordinary journey.”
Packaging That Tells a Story
The collection’s packaging pays homage to Balmain’s inaugural flacon from 1946 while introducing modern elements. The design embodies duality through contrasting shapes, signature black and gold colors, and a label spanning two facets. The new flacon offers a multisensory, luxurious experience with its elongated lozenge shape, Balmain signature rayure on the glass, and a graphic PB monogram on the cap—a nod to the iconic 1970s brand labyrinth motif.
Nathalie Berger Duquene, SVP and Global General Manager of Balmain Beauty at The Estée Lauder Companies, emphasized the collection’s essence: “The beauty of craftsmanship is exuded in both the packaging design and ingredients used. Our fragrances hold tension, power, and strength – they are quintessentially Balmain, rooted in diversity and inclusivity.”
A New Chapter Unfolds
This exquisite fragrance collection marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Balmain Beauty, paving the way for global expansion into new categories. As the brand continues to evolve, it promises to deliver luxury, innovation, and timeless elegance to discerning consumers worldwide.