This very special Nataal story celebrates US Black History Month with FARFETCH and Balmain. First, we asked Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing tell us about some of his Black style icons and top of his list were legendary performers Grace Jones and Prince.

Next, Nataal worked with photographer Kenny Germé and stylist Edem Dossou – soul brothers who are among the new generation of Black French creative talent in Paris - to conceptualise a shoot that expresses the revolutionary spirit of these artists as well as the heritage and optimism of Balmain’s Resort 21 collection.

“For us, Grace Jones and Prince share the qualities of being feline, sensual, warm and aggressive and they both come from an era when icons had a strong visual identity,” says Germé. “This set the mood for the team to create something glamorous and intimate inspired by their attitude.” The red velvet stage puts our characters on a pedestal while the clean white background is reflective of timeless 80s album covers. “We also wanted to underline Black beauty in all of its diversity. As Black people, it’s important for Edem and I to ensure it is represented as chic, smart and valuable. This story is our tribute to Black beauty.”

Dossou agrees. “It was great to measure how these icons from Black culture still have influence today, and how the collection pay homage to them in a modern way,” he says. “Olivier Rousteing has made what Balmain is today – strong, recognisable and desirable – and so we hope this story reflects that energy, too.”

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Photography Kenny Germé at Total World
Styling Edem Dossou
Creative direction Marie Gomis-Trezise
Hair Rimi Ura
Make-up Cécile Paravina
Manicures Cam Tram
Set design Sati Faulks
Models Marie K and Yann S at Studio Paris Management
Casting Stephane Gaboué
Shoot production Emmanuelle Atlan
Digital operation Anthony Parisey
Art direction Precious Opara and Delali Ayivi
Words Helen Jennings

Published on 30/01/2021