BALMAIN Runway Show Analysis Menswear F/W 2024
THE ASK
For this project, I was asked to complete a 10-page paper that dive deeps into a fashion show of my choice, one that not only spoke to my personal style but also inspired me creatively.
Trend Forecasting
Visual Research
Google Docs
Runway Analysis
Concept Interpretation
Styling Insight
Presentation Design
THE SKILLS
IDEATION
Runway Video
I began the analysis by immersing myself in the full runway presentation, paying close attention to styling choices, set design, music, and model movement. I wanted to understand not just what was shown, but why. I decided to create my analysis from the Balmain Men’s Fall Winter 2024 Show. From there, I focused on recurring themes, stand out silhouettes, and the overall mood of the collection. I pulled inspiration from editorials, past collections, and cultural references to draw connections and deepen the analysis. The goal was to interpret the designer’s message while also forecasting how these elements might influence future fashion trends and styling decisions.
Outcome
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Outcome *
Power Silhouettes & Protest: A Look into 1980s Menswear
The featured look showcases the bold, structured aesthetics that defined 1980s menswear, particularly the exaggerated shoulders and commanding "V" silhouette.
French designer Claude Montana, "The King of the Shoulder Pads"—played a key role in shaping this era, with his designs pushing the boundaries of proportion and strength in fashion. The look also draws from the zoot suit silhouette, a powerful symbol of cultural defiance originating in 1930s Harlem and inspired by the London “drape” suit. Beyond its sharp tailoring, the zoot suit holds deep historical significance, from the Zoot Suit Riots in Los Angeles to the influence of La Sape in Congo, where artists like Papa Wemba used fashion as a tool for dignity and protest. This image captures how fashion can go beyond style—becoming a visual statement of identity, resistance, and empowerment.
Pop Art Meets Paris: A Fusion of African Craft and French Tailoring
The featured look blends African fashion’s rich traditions—like beadwork, embroidery, and handwoven textures—with the refined craftsmanship of French design. Inspired by Andy Warhol’s iconic screen prints, the piece incorporates bold colors, graphic prints, and playful pop art motifs. Flowing trench coats with large collars, rhinestone-covered shirts, and oversized red lip pins bring a vibrant, modern twist to classic silhouettes.