Balmain Gives Softness with an Edge at Paris Fashion Week

Doja Cat took her front-row seat at Balmain's fall show at Paris Fashion Week, fresh off her appearance at the Oscars in a custom beaded Balmain gown. But on the runway, designer Olivier Rousteing shifted from red carpet opulence to a new kind of luxury, built on sculptural knitwear, fluid draping and dazzling blown-up zebra motifs.

The Wednesday night collection opened with a now-familiar silhouette from Rousteing – a swooping hooded sweater, this time paired with a leather peplum and relaxed leather trousers. Knitwear remained the focus – draped mohair, wool jersey dresses and cocooning sweaters gave the collection a sense of ease.