Balmain’s New Logo Marks the ‘Beginning of a New Era’

Yesterday Balmain announced a logo switch-up during one of their pre-fall presentations. On one hand, the news isn’t that surprising given that many luxury designers have changed their branding in 2018. During the summer, Riccardo Tisci swiftly redesigned Burberry’s logo after being appointed creative officer. And after Phoebe Philo left Celine earlier this year, her replacement Hedi Slimane made the controversial decision to send Celine’s accent packing, too.

On the other hand, it was a little surprising to hear the news coming from a brand like Balmain. Unlike Tisci and Slimane--who were both new to their roles--Olivier Rousteing has sat at the helm of Balmain for almost eight years. But although his position has stayed the same, he maintains that the new logo will bring about major change. “It’s finally the beginning of a new era,” he told Vogue. “And I know I already have so much to say for the next chapter.”

If the next chapter is anything like the new logo, we expect to see a lot of simplification in Balmain’s future. The emblem is a clear departure from the brand’s previous maze-like design which (if we’re honest) felt a little busy. Instead, the new logo is clean and modern, appearing at first as a simple letter B. Upon closer inspection, The B also houses the letter P--an obvious allusion to Paris, but also a tribute to the brand’s founder, Pierre Balmain.

“We are known enough that we can push our heritage,” Rousteing said. “Everyone knows me for the craftsmanship, the sexiness and for pushing the limits. Now I want to make sure this B becomes the symbol of French, timeless luxury.”

The logo was developed by Paris-based creative studio, Adulte Adulte and reportedly took almost a year to perfect. However, reports have already began surfacing that the monogram bears a striking resemblance to the logo of Italian brand, Laura Biagiotti. Of course fashion industry watch-dogs, @diet_prada, were quick to post a comparison to their Instagram page.

The new logo will make its official debut with the release of Balmain’s (appropriately named) 'B bag’.