'Renissance' Balmain x Opéra de Paris

www.balmain.com To celebrate the upcoming collaboration between two historic Parisian institutions—Balmain and l’Opéra de Paris—James Bort has filmed a group of Premier and Étoile dancers, (Amandine Albisson, Audric Bezard, Dorothée Gilbert, Nais Duboscq and Thomas Docquir) as they perform a series of pas de deux from “Renaissance,” a new ballet from choreographer Sébastien Bertaud. Filmed inside the incomparable Opera Garnier, the video—like Bertaud’s creation—relies on the haunting notes of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto No. 2 and highlights the beautiful costumes designed by Balmain’s Creative Director, Olivier Rousteing. Rousteing’s creations reflect both the acclaimed savoir-faire of Balmain’s atelier and the recognizably modern style that the designer has imposed upon the house in recent years. Impressive golden and silver embellishments cover flesh-colored performance pieces, with rhinestones and pearls embroidered directly onto bodysuits, tights and draped tees. A similar treatment has been given to the dancers’ spencer coats, cardigans and fringe skirts. Bertaud and Rousteing—both thirty years old and natives of Bordeaux—may be young, but the two creators share an appreciation for the singular history and traditions behind both Balmain and The Paris Opera. “Of course, it is an amazing honor to partner with the Paris Opera,” notes Rousteing. “There are few institutions that so embody the essence of French culture and creativity. As someone who has always been fascin