Gigi Hadid made a surprise second appearance at Vogue World 2024 in Paris, closing out the show in a breathtaking Balmain dress. The choice to dress her for the finale was a fitting one, as Hadid walked her first Balmain show in Paris back in 2014, making this a full-circle moment for both her and the brand.
Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing drew inspiration from his home country, France, to create the dress. He wanted the color to evoke the French flag, hence the billowing blue skirt. The draped gold bustier, reminiscent of armor, was inspired by the Marianne de France, a symbol of strength from the French Revolution. The gold, for Rousteing, represents both strength and timelessness.
Rousteing emphasizes the importance of his African heritage in his French identity, noting that it’s an honor to showcase that aspect of French culture. “I am from Bordeaux in the South of France, but I was adopted, with origins in Ethiopia and Somalia. I was born and raised in France, but I have these African roots and it’s an honor to show that side of French culture,” he says.
For Rousteing, the dress is more than a tribute to the past century of fashion; it’s a vision for the future. “I feel extremely proud to be able to represent that with Vogue World: to show that I am French but from a new generation, for the modern world,” he says.
Gigi Hadid’s Vogue World appearance was a fitting culmination of a show that celebrated 100 years of fashion, in dialogue with popular French sports. She walked the runway in the equestrian section wearing Hermès, before making her final appearance in the regal Balmain dress. The dress, a powerful symbol of strength and beauty, is a testament to both Hadid’s and Balmain’s enduring legacy in the world of fashion.
