THE B-BOLD 2
JANUARY 2020
Balmain’s B-Bold 2: designed to look like they were made for walking on the moon.
A key theme for many of Olivier Rousteing’s collections has been the fact that all of us share just one small planet Earth. But the designer’s BBold 2 sneakers are, as one reviewer put it, “out of this world.”
Rousteing describes the distinctive footwear—the second-generation of Balmain’s best-selling BBold—as “designed to look like they were made for walking on the moon.” Balmain’s Creative Director decided to premiere the BBold2 on the feet of his runway models in order to make clear to all that his newest iteration of the popular design was even more powerful and compelling than the first. "I really wanted this new release to BBolder," Rousteing adds with a laugh.
Just like the original, the BBold 2 relies on a one-of-a-kind silhouette, with comfortable and flexible neoprene sock-like uppers set atop two independent soles. Adjustable (and removable) metallized rubber straps add comfort while also complimenting multiple embellishments that reflect Rousteing’s well-known luxe-meets-rebel dynamic.
Rousteing recognizes that his determination to add a profusion of new tech and design innovations—including shock-absorption materials for lightness and comfort, and distinctive metallic inserts in the sole—pushed both the development and assembly calendars to the limit, but he believes the added costs, efforts and headaches were well worth it.
This is clearly a Balmain design. It reflects that amplified silhouette that makes our runway designs instantly recognizable while relying on the type of expert handwork and masterful construction that one expects from this house. I believe that modern luxury must always rely on the highest level of materials and skilled craftsmanship—and the BBold2 very much reflects that conviction.
BALMAIN'S
BBOLD
