Alix Morabito, chief merchandising officer at Galeries Lafayette
Antonin proposed a very feminine and directional collection, keeping Balmain’s identity while opening the vocabulary to talk to a wider audience. He definitely shows his strong will to dress a real woman, emphasizing its body and sensuality.
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Loïc Prigent, journalist
It’s a very Balmain and very Antonin Tron collection — the best of both worlds. It’s an incredibly interesting moment for us journalists when we can watch a designer we’ve seen grow over a decade move to a major fashion house and make the most of the resources and heritage of that label. I thought it was very elegant that the first and last looks were presented by Amélie, the house model on whom the collection was developed. The crystal embroideries are very successful, and the draping looked chic from the front row, which is a good sign.
Romain Brau, artist, singer, and former classmate of Antonin Tron at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts
It’s an achievement. It’s a battle he fought with Atlein, which nearly went under billions of times, because today being an independent designer is almost impossible. He won awards, fought to keep his brand — and his whole team — alive. He worked for Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, and Saint Laurent. Today, we see the result of everything he has learned. It’s chic. There is leather and silk. A woman who spends money today must feel elegant. Antonin hasn’t changed since Antwerp. He was already very studious, very intellectual, and very discreet.
Jean-Jacques Picart, fashion consultant
It will need small adjustments to feel even more like him, but the potential is obvious. Fans of Balmain under Olivier Rousteing need to find their bearings. I’ve found mine, because I’ve known Antonin for 10 years. I think it’s a very strong collection for the moment we are in where product is key. All these beautiful houses need to sell products.