Gigi Hadid delivered a jolt of surprise when she made her second appearance at the Place Vendôme, marking the grand finale of Vogue World 2024 in Paris. Donned in a dazzling custom creation by the house of Balmain, Hadid was the epitome of style and elegance.
Balmain’s creative director, Olivier Rousteing, was tasked with the challenge of designing a show-stopping ensemble that would encapsulate the opulence of the renowned fashion festival. To achieve this, his muse was none other than his French roots, “The first thing that stands out is the voluminous blue skirt,” he explains to Vogue. “The color is reminiscent of the French flag’s blue. This vibrant hue is embedded in the brand’s DNA too. You then notice the meticulously draped golden bustier, emanating the aura of Marianne de France, a symbol of resilience dating back to the French Revolution. The gold symbolizes not just strength but also eternity, much like the shimmering lights that illuminate our City of Light.”
Vogue World 2024 was a proud ode to a century of fashion evolution, deftly interwoven with popular French sports. Hadid initially graced the runway within the equestrian section, modeling Hermès apparel. Her victory lap saw her shedding the equestrian coat of armor for a majestic gown—a symbolically poignant transition. “Hadid opened for Balmain in one of the earliest Paris shows around 2014 or 2015, it’s like everything has come full circle,” reflects Rousteing. “Witnessing the ascent of her career—from her commitment to fashion to her ascension as this generation’s supermodel—proves her equivalence to a fashion’s ‘athlete.’ But she surpassed that; Gigi is now the fashion world’s new deity, and this dress was crafted for a goddess.”
Rousteing takes pride in his African roots, asserting how it has shaped and enriched his French identity. Being the face of France at Vogue World carries a profound importance for him. “This is greatly significant to me, as I carry a blend of cultural heritage,” he asserts. “Born in the South of France, Bordeaux, to be exact, I was adopted—with Ethiopian and Somalian ancestries. My upbringing was French, but I’m rooted in African heritage, and it’s an honor to represent that aspect of French culture.”
For Rousteing, the final look transcends the boundaries of a century’s fashion journey—it is the gateway to the future. “I am humbled and proud to represent this with Vogue World—showcasing that I am not just French, but of a new generation that brings a fresh perspective to the modern world,” he concludes.
