Earlier this year, Victoria’s Secret and Olivier Rousteing joined forces to create the VS x Balmain collection, making graffiti-covered T-shirts and ’70s rock–inspired finery accessible to the masses. While Rousteing’s in-your-face aesthetic translated into the lingerie giant’s edgiest collection to date, the designer reveals in a new video that you don’t even need to buy the collection to get its signature look. Behind the scenes at the brand’s Shanghai show, Rousteing delivered a crash course in how to elevate a basic tee into something exceptional. Utilizing items that you’re sure to have lying around the house—safety pins, beads, and a sharp pair of scissors—he transformed Josephine Skriver, Ming Xi, and Romee Strijd into the newest members of the Balmain army.
While Rousteing is a regular in the front row at the annual VS show, this year marks the first time he has worked with the brand. Making the jump from spectator to being a major part of the production came with challenges. “It’s totally different when you’re a guest. You just enjoy the show. When you’re actually collaborating and creating your own collection, you’re really stressed!” he shared backstage.
Working throughout the course of the year on the project, Rousteing enjoyed seeing his vision move from a sketch to reality, elaborate Angel wings and all. “After I shared [my drawings] with VS, they were like, ‘Yes, we love this! Let’s make it happen.’ With Balmain, the craftsmanship is so important but I have to say, the result is completely in line with the Parisian house that I come from. I want my clothes to look perfect and for the girls to feel good and powerful in them.”
Judging by the powerful opening segment filled with Angels in plaid bustiers and studded wings, Rousteing got his wish. Watch as Rousteing and the Angels remix T-shirts into daring crop tops, skirts, and more.
