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Ahhh, Balmain… A stunning brand with a stunning creative director (I had to say it) and, of course, stunning collections. For several Paris Fashion Weeks, Balmain has been making a lot of noises — and all of it positive. In this article, we’re going to analyze one of its most striking aspects: the “femme fatale” aura.

First of all, we need to define the term “femme fatale”. Here’s the definition we will use for the following article : a “femme fatale” (here used for all genders) is a French term, also used in international language. Today it is used to describe someone often seen as a confident, self-assured individual who embraces their allure, intelligence, and agency to navigate life on their own terms. While the historical notion of a “femme fatale” painted them as manipulative or dangerous, the modern interpretation leans towards celebrating their complexity and independence rather than libeling them for exerting control over their own life, as they should. 

We are not going to use it as “a woman who seduces men and then makes them cry”, because the only person a “femme fatale” is seducing is themselves. 

Their choice of models

In 2025, authenticity is what we demand. It’s time for brands to move beyond a solely youthful mindset. After all, we are all aging, it’s simply the natural course of life. Grow up ! Balmain, however, has already understood this, as demonstrated in their recent Fashion Weeks in Paris. In these collections, we were treated to otherworldly pieces worn by stunning models of all ages. A bold statement from Balmain: fashion knows no age, and any woman, regardless of her age, can dress with the ambition and elegance she deserves.

Empowerment : a fundamental value

When we are looking for new clothing, and even more if it is luxury pieces, we want to feel empowered by them. Not because they’re more expensive or have an LV logo on it, but because they make us feel beautiful. If you feel like yourself and more beautiful than ever, this is reflected in your state of mind : you suddenly feel more confident. Empowerment is a term that can be defined as a boost of confidence, and I invite you to note clearly that this is in fact one of Balmain’s values.

The three core values of Maison Balmain are : Inclusion, Empowerment and Excellence. As we saw in the first part of this article, everyone, from everywhere and from every story is invited to dream with Balmain. Balmain welcomes everyone and empowers everyone. 

Balmain’s Silhouette

The human body is magnificent. With more or less bust, more or less height, a human’s body is beautiful because it is always unique. At Balmain, we see collections that follow one’s silhouette. The garment always follows the shape of the body, without being tight fitting, with such perfection that you’d almost think it was a made-to-measure piece for each of its customers. Of course, that’s not the case, and that’s what makes their garments so perfect. You never have to fit your body to a garment, it’s the garment that has to fit your unique body. We love it when brands love women so much that it’s reflected in their collections. 

Balmain’s Favorite : Épaulettes

Are you familiar with épaulettes? It’s the French word for shoulder pads. In a subtle way, every businessman and businesswoman wears them, but at Balmain, we’re not talking about regular shoulder pads. You see, Monsieur Pierre Balmain loved architecture, and he particularly appreciated the importance of structure. He loved it so much that he recreated it in his designs. That’s why you can see an enormous number of wide belts and imposing shoulder pads at Balmain. He wanted women to have the same confidence that men have because of their broader physiques. And trust me, being hit by an épaulette is not pleasant. Epaulettes give you power, they make you look taller and more imposing, which boosts your confidence and gives you a “femme fatale” aura.

In conclusion, you don’t have to wear Balmain to be or feel like a “femme fatale.” As mentioned earlier, empowerment is one of Balmain’s core values, so it’s part of their brand identity to make their clients feel more confident, that’s their goal. If that’s one of their main objectives, then the fact that I’m able to write this article shows they’re doing their job right. Being a “femme fatale” is all about confidence, and the purpose of this article is simply to say: wear whatever makes you feel empowered and happier. When you like how you look and feel more confident, it resonates in your mindset, and that’s when the “femme fatale” in you shows her splendid face.

By Maëla.D, January 11, 2025.