THE LATE SHOW: Is rescheduling an emerging runway trend?
WWD has learned that Balmain, which had been slated to show its spring 2025 men’s collection on June 21, now plans to present it this fall instead.
The development comes only a few weeks after Fendi announced that it would sit out Paris Couture Week later this month “as part of a rescheduling of its shows.”
In a brief statement shared exclusively with WWD on Wednesday, Balmain said, “Following recent executive changes, with new CEO Matteo Sgarbossa assuming the leadership role one month ago, Balmain announces today [Wednesday] that it is changing the date of the presentation of the house’s spring 2025 men’s collection. The collection, which had been scheduled to be shown on June 21, will now be presented in September, during next fall’s Paris Fashion Week.”
It is understood the exact format has yet to be decided.
Sgarbossa, previously international director of Givenchy, took the management helm of Balmain last month, succeeding Jean-Jacques Guével.
His mission is to partner with Olivier Rousteing, Balmain’s creative director since 2011, to further accelerate the brand’s “international success across geographies,” building on the “solid foundations” set in recent years, as reported.
To be sure, Balmain is on the cusp of a new era: This fall, the brand is expected to unveil its first fragrances under its new beauty license with the Estée Lauder Cos. Inc.
Men’s fashion week in Paris starts on June 18 and wraps on June 23, following immediately by Paris Couture Week. Couture dates were moved to June 24 to 27 in order to avoid a clash with preparations for the 2024 Paris Games.