One of the top brands for staggeringly expensive and wildly chic high fashion,Balmain, has teamed with Ittierre SpA to launch a lower-price diffusion line
for Spring 2012.
A company press release describes the new venture, called Pierre Balmain, as "eclectic and decidedly downtown," comprising a comprehensive range of ready-to-wear from T-shirts and denim to tailored pieces and evening wear. Slightly lower price points (based on current exchange rates on the Euro) fall between $174 for T-shirts, $364 for denim, $506 for jackets, $940 for suits and $1,290 for eveningwear.
Pierre Balmain will be overseen by a team of designers employed by Ittierre, independently of Balmain's head designer Olivier Rousteing, who succeeded Christophe Decarnin last year. The initial looks capture Balmain's signature rocker-sexy aesthetic, complete with leather and denim ensembles in typically angular and fitted silhouettes.
"Pierre Balmain will become a major part of our business," said Ittierre CEO Antonio Bianchi. The group's other brands include Galliano, Gianfranco Ferre, Fiorucci and Costume National.
Contrary to previous reports that the collection might debut in NYC, the collection is set to bow at Paris fashion week amid a digitally-focused campaign of short films, followed by the debut of a new e-commerce site and dedicated boutiques in Hong Kong, Milan, Rome and Paris.
