North West in Balmain
Balmain designer Olivier Rousteing
‘I think I first thought about designing kidswear when I dressed North,’ Rousteing told Bustle. ‘I had a conversation with Kim, and that was the beginning of how I really understood that the Balmain universe can also belong to kids.
North West
‘When you see the Balmain children’s pieces, you can see the references that are actually part of the Balmain women’s and men’s wardrobes. Balmain is also about diversity, and I think the casting and the pictures show that no matter where you come from, the Balmain army is open and all the kids from the world are a part of it.’
The collection, which will include 55 pieces, has made its first appearance online on both Rousteing’s Instagram account and the official Balmain Instagram account, with a series of sharply dressed kids modelling everything from double-breasted jackets to tulle tutus to heavy-duty shoewear.
Rousteing told Women’s Wear Daily: ‘These are the same looks that, over the years, moms and dads have repeatedly pleaded with me to produce for their kids’ – and it’s clear to see that the military chic and structured aesthetic from the adult catwalk collections have been mirrored in the children’s collection.
As well as the double breasted structured jackets and leather trousers you’d expect to see, there are thick army boots with bronzed toecaps and zebra-patterned jackets, as well as crisp white shirts, smart peacoats and dapper tuxedo jackets.
The fashion line will launch in June at Balmain boutiqutes, and also online at balmain.com. It will include clothes for boys and girls aged between six and 14, and will reportedly cost between €190 to €5500.
HARVEY NICHOLS 
