Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1534560
By Billy Fong. Photography Celeste Cass. I n 2023, the French fashion house Balmain opened a boutique in Highland Park Village, and two years later it was time for another momentous occasion: the premiere of the Anthem bag. The name Anthem is a nod to founder Pierre Balmain and the brand's affinity with the world of music, while the silhouette is inspired by the house's mid-century Jolie Madame bag. We can just imagine Lenny Kravitz cradling this bag as he walks into the San Vicente Bungalows. To celebrate the local launch, PaperCity worked with the Balmain team to craft a one-night club evening at Grange Hall, channeling the raucous and refined after-parties during Paris fashion week. The lights were turned down and the music turned up as the Balmain Dallas crew — Morgan Williams, Katina Thornton, and Lisa Xu — welcomed Dallas' most fashionable clique. On the afternoon of the event, I brushed up on my Balmain history. Pierre Balmain showed his first collection in Paris in 1945. Since his passing in 1982, other creatives have carried forward his vision — notably Oscar de la Renta from 1993 to 2002. Steering the brand for close to 15 years to great acclaim is Olivier Rousteing. Night of the Anthem Balmain's one-night club Katina Thornton Laura Potts Lele Sadoughi Emily Huskinson Sharon Lee Clark The star of the night, Balmain Anthem bag Doniphan Moore, Tanner Moussa Joshua Rossignol Kara Goss Shane Walker, Carter Wintes in moto-Balmain 46 (Continued on page 48)