An extraordinary runway-documented statement piece from Balmain Fall/Winter 2018 Ready-to-Wear, this holographic silver quilted jacket was presented as part of Look 8 of Olivier Rousteing’s futuristic collection.
For Fall 2018, Rousteing imagined the Balmain woman transported into the future, developing a collection around the concept of what Balmain might look like in 2050. The runway explored holographic surfaces, PVC, latex, metallic finishes and iridescent materials while maintaining the unmistakable architectural shoulders and sharply controlled silhouettes associated with Rousteing-era Balmain.
This jacket is one of the collection's most immediately recognizable expressions of that vision. Constructed in an intensely reflective silver holographic fabric, the surface shifts through rainbow tones of blue, violet, green, pink and gold as it catches the light. Diamond quilting covers the body and upper sleeves, lending dimension and structure to the futuristic material.
The silhouette is quintessential Balmain: dramatically structured shoulders, a fitted waist, collarless neckline and open front create the house's signature powerful, sculpted profile. Four oversized patch pockets—two at the chest and two at the hip—introduce a utilitarian, almost military influence while maintaining the jacket's highly polished finish.
Wide holographic cuffs contrast with the diamond quilting and are finished with five embossed silver-tone Balmain crest buttons at each wrist, an unmistakable house signature. Elaborate stitched borders trace the neckline, front opening, pockets and hem.
On the Fall/Winter 2018 runway, the jacket appeared in Look 8, styled as part of a complete holographic ensemble with coordinating quilted trousers and a graphic Balmain Paris top. The runway styling demonstrates how central this fabrication was to the season's futuristic narrative.
A highly collectible example of Olivier Rousteing-era Balmain, the jacket works equally well as an archival fashion object or as an exceptionally dramatic contemporary statement jacket.
Designer: Balmain
Creative Director: Olivier Rousteing
Collection: Fall/Winter 2018 Ready-to-Wear
Runway: Documented Look 8
Made in: Italy
Tagged Size: 38
Approximate US Size: US 4 / Small
Color: Holographic Silver / Iridescent Silver
Style: Structured collarless quilted jacket
Closure: Open front
Pockets: Four exterior patch pockets
Hardware: Silver-tone embossed Balmain crest cuff buttons
Composition
Outer: 94% Polyester, 6% Elastane
Lining: 52% Viscose, 48% Cotton
Approximate Measurements
Measured flat and doubled where appropriate. Garment photographed on a US size 4/6 mannequin.
Shoulder: approximately 15.5–16"
Bust: approximately 36"
Waist: approximately 31–32"
Hem: approximately 35"
Sleeve length from shoulder: approximately 24"
Underarm to cuff: approximately 17.5"
Length from shoulder to hem: approximately 21"
Cuff width: approximately 4"
Please note that measurements are approximate and the structured construction can affect measurements depending on how the garment is positioned.
Condition
Excellent pre-owned condition. Little to no visible signs of wear consistent with age and use. The holographic exterior remains exceptionally vibrant and reflective, quilting remains well defined, and Balmain hardware presents beautifully. Original Balmain retail hang tag remains attached inside the jacket as photographed.
Please review all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.
Collector's Note
The Fall 2018 Balmain collection represents one of Olivier Rousteing's most overtly futuristic runway statements. Vogue described the collection as an imagined Balmain of 2050, characterized by holographic materials, metallic tailoring and futuristic finishes.
The runway documentation substantially increases the desirability of this example for collectors of archival Balmain, significant runway fashion and statement designer outerwear.
