The Balmain x HM collection, launched on November 5, 2015, was one of the decade’s most highly anticipated designer collaborations. The partnership brought together Swedish fast-fashion giant HM and French luxury fashion house Balmain, led by creative director Olivier Rousteing. Known for his bold, opulent designs, Rousteing translated Balmain’s signature glamorous, embellished aesthetic into a more accessible, wallet-friendly collection.
Ahead of the launch, a star-studded runway show took place in New York on October 20, 2015, featuring supermodels like Karlie Kloss, Gigi Hadid, and Joan Smalls, with a surprise performance by the Backstreet Boys that fueled the collection’s global hype. The collaboration sparked a shopping frenzy — dubbed #HMBalmaination — with items selling out within hours and HM’s website crashing due to overwhelming demand.
Kendall Jenner commands the runway in two striking Balmain x HM looks, pairing bold, structured silhouettes and intricate gold detailing with sleek black pointed-toe boots that elevate her statuesque frame
Kendall Jenner, the campaign’s muse, led the Balmain army. The reality star was joined by fellow models and real-life friends Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss, Alessandra Ambrosio, Jourdan Dunn, and Jessica Stam.
Kendall Jenner exudes confidence on the runway of the Balmain x HM collection launch at 23 Wall St. in Manhattan, New York City, on October 20, 2015 (Credit: WENN / C.Smith / Andres Otero)
Showing off the stunning pieces on the runway, these towering models wore bold accessories to amp up their edgy ensembles — chunky necklaces, overwhelming bracelets, wide belts, and chandelier earrings that demanded attention.
Alessandra Ambrosio captivates in two glamorous Balmain x HM looks, pairing intricate beading and bold tailoring with over-the-knee suede boots and studded open-toe heels that highlight her long, lean legs
Available in select HM stores worldwide and online, the collection featured over 100 pieces spanning womenswear, menswear, and accessories.
It became HM’s most expensive designer collaboration at the time, with prices ranging from $34.99 for T-shirts to $649 for an intricately beaded dress adorned with 250,000 hand-sewn beads.
Alessandra Ambrosio mesmerizes in a rich blue Balmain x HM creation (Credit: WENN / C.Smith / Andres Otero)
Karlie Kloss turns heads in a plunging Balmain x HM jumpsuit with bold geometric beading, cinched waist, and studded peep-toe booties that elongate her statuesque 6ft 1 height on the runway
Gigi Hadid radiates on the runway in an opulent Balmain x HM ensemble featuring gold-embellished beadwork and a metallic belt, paired with strappy gladiator heels that add height and drama to her statuesque frame
👠 Explore More Balmain x HM Moments:
- 📏 Kendall Jenner Olivier Rousteing Launch HM x Balmain Collaboration – runway backstage, outfit breakdown Kardashian style
- 🌟 Ellie Goulding Wears Balmain x HM Shoes – velvet mini, caged sandals, and shopping alternatives
- 💃 How Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner Rocked the Balmain x HM Boots – over‑the‑knee suede boots, leather jackets, and styling tips