by Clutched.
A Quiet Pivot
Olivier Rousteing has stripped back the theatrics this season, favouring a concise edit of wardrobe staples shot through with Balmain’s signature hardware. Denim, poplin and knitted pieces form a disciplined framework, accessories take over as the collection’s true protagonists.
Pre-Fall often serves as a proving ground, here it feels decisive. The palette stays within white, blue and earth tones, while leopard-lace trims flicker just enough to remind you where you are. Raffia and canvas bags insert a summer-city mood without drifting into resort wear. The result is quietly commanding.. a collection that feels lived-in the moment you step off the runway.
Bags That Do the Talking
This season’s Balmain bags are built for life beyond the front row. The 1945 Soft Moon crinkled calfskin in white is convincing proof that texture and logos drives desire. The B-Army canvas tote pares back the house monogram, while the Sync Mini’s hardware feels decisive, not decorative. Raffia and denim totes add a laid-back, city-ready touch — perfect for everyday wear, not just holidays — and each bag fits easily into your regular rotation without fuss.
Balmain
1945 Soft Moon Crinkled Calfskin White Leather Bag – £1,750
Balmain
B-Army Small Monogrammed Beige Canvas & Leather Tote Bag – £950
Balmain
Sync Mini Bag in Calfskin Black Leather – £1,550
Balmain
Crinkled Black Leather Wallet with Shuffle Chain – £875
Balmain
Track Brown Raffia Tote Bag – £875
Balmain
B-Army Vanity Case in Monogrammed Beige Canvas & Leather – £1,050
Balmain
Pulse Vanity Calfskin Black Leather Bag – £1,450
Balmain
Track Blue Denim Tote Bag – £925
Balmain
Shuffle Medium Bag in Brown Raffia – £950
Wearable Highlights
Rousteing refocuses on pieces you return to week after week. The lace body anchors tailoring, layer it under a blazer or let it speak for itself at dusk. Denim shorts and flared jeans shift the collection from seasonal novelty to something you’ll reach for long after Pre-Fall’s run is over. These backless satin tops and poplin dresses feel current and forward-looking, steering clear of any vintage echoes.
Balmain
Long Sleeved White Lace Body – £1,255
Balmain
Short Diamond Blue Denim Shorts – £950
Balmain
Backless Fringed White Satin Top – £865
Balmain
Flared Fit Blue Denim Jeans – £950
Balmain
A-Line Backless Poplin White Dress – £1,545
Balmain
Bodycon Backless Poplin White Dress – £1,740
Balmain
Textured Knit Halterneck A-Line Blue Dress – £2,420
Balmain
Cable Knit Halterneck Black Top – £825
Balmain
Leopard Pattern Lace Bodycon Dress – £2,225
Shoes as Punctuation
Footwear here isn’t an afterthought but the final edit. The Sync mules and stilettos cut clear lines under trousers or dresses alike, their pointed toes as precise as a tight edit on a great film. Anthem’s denim flats bridge the gap between street style and tailoring, signalling that Rousteing hasn’t lost sight of his roots in Paris youth culture. More than finishing touches, these shoes assert their presence in real life, not just on the runway.
Balmain
Sync Beige Leather Mules with Pointed Toe – £850
Balmain
Anthem Flat Blue Denim Sandals – £675
Balmain
Sync Black Patent Leather Stilettos with Pointed Toe – £950
Balmain
Sync Black Patent Leather Sandals with Heel – £875
Balmain
Sync Beige Leather Sandals with Heel – £875
Balmain
Sync Beige Leather Stilettos with Pointed Toe – £950
Balmain Women’s Pre-Fall 2025 Collection is about economy of gesture. Rousteing pares back until every stitch, trim and buckle earns its place. For a wardrobe that prizes precision over pageantry, this collection is non-negotiable.
*Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
Styling Tips
- Keep it pared-back This collection thrives on restraint. Let key pieces like the lace body or backless satin top take centre stage by pairing them with minimal accessories and clean lines. A sharp blazer or tailored trousers will balance the softness with structure.
- Mix textures thoughtfully The interplay of crinkled calfskin, raffia, denim, and poplin invites tactile layering. Try a denim tote with a satin top or a raffia bag alongside knitwear to add subtle dimension without cluttering your look.
- Lean into the palette Stick to the collection’s refined palette of whites, blues, and earth tones to maintain cohesion. A touch of leopard lace or zebra ribbing works best as an accent rather than a statement.
- Shoes that finish the story The pointed Sync mules and stilettos cut through any outfit with precision. Wear them with cropped jeans or tailored dresses to echo the collection’s mix of street savvy and elegance.
- Everyday luxury These pieces are designed for real life, so don’t be afraid to wear the structured totes and classic denim on the daily. The focus is on versatility, style them for both meetings and weekends without overthinking.
Check out our Spotlight on the latest collection from Strathberry.
