When the bosses at French luxury fashion house Balmain decide it's time for change, they don't mess around. Less than a month since announcing the appointment of Olivier Rousteing its new creative director - replacing Christophe Decarnin - the brand has revealed that a new diffusion collection will be launched in September.
Named 'Pierre Balmain' - in honour of the label's founder, who started the fashion house in 1945 - a spokesperson today confirmed that the new range "will be younger and designed by a new team."
The first collection, for the spring/summer 2012 season, will be designed in Italy by a separate creative team and cater for both men and women.
In pictures: Balmain autumn/winter 2011
As famous for its celebrity fans - Kate Moss, Beyoncé, and Kate Beckinsale all caught the 'Balmain bug' - as its budget-busting price tags (actress Saoirse Ronan recently wore a pair of £3,370 stripy sequinned Balmain jeans for a TV appearance), it is anticipated that the Pierre Balmain line will have more accessible price points.
But for those who can't wait until September, there is always the brand's lesser-known foray into the world of hair extensions , where in comparison to the cost of the ready-to-wear pieces, prices are sure to be a snip.
