You can always count on Balmain to put on a show at fashion week. But last week in Paris, Creative Director Olivier Rousteing went all out, presenting the brand’s SS20 menswear collection as a free concert – the Balmain x (RED) festival and runway show – in celebration of Paris’ summer solstice street party tradition. The runway extravaganza was open to all of the public, with profits going towards Bono’s charity (RED), a fund in support of the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

Incorporating a mix of womenswear too, the collection itself only added to the drama – there was iridescent two-pieces and blingy oversized blazers, draped silk, embroidered mirrors and double denim. Sharp tailoring and structured bomber jackets were offset with slouchy slogan tees, overlaid with clear PVC. Most looks were accessorised with statement rectangular panel shades – which, love or hate, you’re about to see paraded down every beach and street by next week.