This innovative fragrance experience draws inspiration from Pierre Balmain’s Parisian legacy and the creative vision of Olivier Rousteing, who has been the fashion brand’s Creative Director since 2011. As the lead architect of Balmain Beauty from its inception, Rousteing has been involved in every facet of the creation process, from concept development to scent formulation, packaging design, and campaign imagery. His commitment to learning the art of perfumery included hands-on training, which deepened his understanding of the creation process.
The inaugural collection, powered by a thoughtfully crafted duality of ingredients, features eight multi-layered scents across four distinctive olfactory families: Musk, Amber, Floral, and Woody. Olivier Rousteing and Estée Lauder are reintroducing Balmain into the fragrance industry with this diverse array of fragrances.
In his exploration of Balmain’s rich archives, Rousteing selected four of the brand’s classic scents to be reimagined for contemporary audiences: Vent Vert, Ivoire, Ébène, and Carbone. Additionally, the collection includes four brand-new fragrances—Sel d’Ambre, Rouge, Bronze, and Bleu Infini—to complete the lineup.
“Olivier Rousteing is one of the most accomplished designers of his generation, creating revolutionary concepts that bridge the past, present, and future. Bringing his vision for Balmain Beauty to fruition has been an extraordinary journey,” stated Guillaume Jesel, President and CEO of Balmain Beauty, Tom Ford, and Luxury Business Development at The Estée Lauder Companies.
The packaging of the collection pays homage to Balmain’s first flacon, created in 1946, with design elements that express duality through contrasting shapes of the circle and square. The signature black and gold colors further enhance the aesthetic, with the label spanning two facets.
Building on this heritage, the new flacon offers a multisensory and luxurious modern experience. The square shape is elongated into a lozenge, and the Balmain signature rayure on the glass reflects the texture of the gold collar. A new finish and color palette enhance both the tactile and visual appeal. The cap features a graphic PB monogram, symbolizing Balmain and inspired by the iconic labyrinth motif from the 1970s.
“The beauty of craftsmanship is evident in both the packaging design and the quality of ingredients used. Our fragrances embody tension, power, and strength—they are quintessentially Balmain, rooted in diversity and inclusivity,” remarked Nathalie Berger Duquene, SVP and Global General Manager of Balmain Beauty at The Estée Lauder Companies.
Thus, this new fragrance collection marks the first beauty chapter of a broader narrative for the brand, setting the stage for future global expansions into new categories. Olivier Rousteing and Estée Lauder are reintroducing Balmain into the fragrance industry, embracing the brand’s heritage while looking toward innovative growth.
