Published on December 19, 2024 at 8:31 a.m.
At a Forbes dinner in Paris on December 17, Mélanie Laurent attracted all eyes with a bold look by Balmain, featuring a jacket with oversized shoulder pads and platform sandals.
On December 17, Mélanie Laurent made a notable appearance at a dinner organized by Forbes, celebrating the talent of designer Olivier Rousteing, at La Fontaine Gaillon in Paris. The actress, director and singer, unaccustomed to red carpets, nevertheless captivated all eyes by sporting a bold and chic look by Balmain.
Mélanie Laurent did not hesitate to assert her style with a leather jacket with maxi shoulders, a piece which highlights her silhouette and gives her a powerful and assertive look. This model, decorated with an imposing golden chain at the collar, perfectly embodies Olivier Rousteing’s artistic direction for Balmain, which focuses on bold lines and a spectacular sense of detail. The actress perfectly mastered the balance between bold and elegant by pairing it with a camisole-style top and slightly oversized straight pants, creating a perfect contrast with the imposing structure of the jacket. To complete her look, Mélanie Laurent opted for sandals with very high platforms, recalling the aesthetic of the Balmain house, which emphasizes imposing and sculptural pieces. She also carried the “Jolie Madame” bag, a recent creation by Olivier Rousteing which was unveiled last February.
Also read: True or false? Oversize doesn’t suit petite girls
How to adopt the XXL shoulder pad jacket?
Oversized shoulders, although they have never completely disappeared, are experiencing a revival this season in the fall-winter 2024-2025 collections. While some houses retain the theatrical spirit of the 1980s with silhouettes with prominent shoulders, other designers reinterpret this trend in a more accessible way. Saint Laurent, for example, presents satin dresses with pointed shoulders, while Balmain focuses on imposing trench coats.
To adopt the XXL shoulder pad jacket, wear it over an evening outfit, like Mélanie Laurent, or opt for a version with shorter sleeves to refine the silhouette and lengthen the arms. Although this piece is ideal for special occasions, it can also be worn every day. For an elegant but casual look, pair an oversized blazer with a pencil skirt or matching pants, and colorful pumps or slingbacks to break up the overly formal look. For a coat, choose a long, impeccably tailored cut, which you will combine with a suede mini-skirt or straight jeans, completed with a pair of cowboy boots.