Paris Fashion Week with Balmain
From the POV of a "VIC" at Paris Fashion Week
There’s something surreal about the whole Paris Fashion Week experience—especially when you're a Very Important Client (VIC). To be honest, when I first heard the term VIC, I wasn’t exactly sure what it meant. But if it meant an invitation to Paris Fashion Week with my favorite designer, Balmain, I was happy to wear the title (pun intended).
As it turns out, the VIC list isn’t just about exclusive perks or front-row seats—it’s about being embraced as part of the Balmain family. From the moment I landed, that sense of belonging was palpable. Whether it was the personal touches or the attention to detail, the experience Balmain created was really about forging deeper connections between the brand, the people who love it most, and the artistry.
It was clear this was going to be a week like no other, blending my love for fashion and the creative energy I channel into my music career.
Arrival in Style
After a long 12-hour flight, I was greeted with the VIC treatment at Charles de Gaulle airport. And by “greeted,” I mean a 90-pound Frenchman whisked my bags away and took off at lightning speed through the crowded terminal. I’ve seen the iPad name signs before, but this was different. My "handler" flashed his badge at every line and in less than 20 minutes, I was in a sleek black car headed into Paris. As a guy originally from Minnesota, where things move at a slower pace, I always find this kind of whirlwind service both exhilarating and humbling. That was just the start.
While I was cruising into the city, my Balmain rep texted me a friendly “Bonjour,” asking how my flight was and sending over my itinerary for the day. I was excited to get settled and start my adventure. But first, coffee—though, admittedly, I was a fish out of water missing my go-to Dunkin from back home.
A Balmain Wardrobe, Just for Me
One of the perks of being a VIC is having every outfit meticulously coordinated so that no one else at the event is wearing your exact look. This meant that every piece I wore throughout the week was uniquely mine, and a true reflection of my style—much like the way I curate music to tell a story or evoke a mood. This kind of attention to detail, and the fact that it felt tailored to my easygoing Midwest personality, made me feel both special and grounded. It’s why my loyalty is with Balmain.
In the world of luxury fashion, VIC clients receive this unparalleled level of service, akin to the care I give my clients when crafting the perfect soundtrack to match their vision.
Exclusive Locations, VIP Treatment
Each day, I had my own personal driver, which was a nice touch, even though there were three people assigned to our hotel group. But let’s talk about the real highlight—the dinner at Matignon Paris. Imagine a 5-star restaurant where, as soon as drinks were served, guests began dancing around the tables. The food? As stylish as the fashion. Pure Parisian luxury—fish, meat, pasta, and the most incredible breads. After each course, we danced. The energy of the room reminded me of an unforgettable jam session where everyone’s creativity flows seamlessly.
The dinner was hosted for North American store managers and executives, along with the top 10 clients from North America, including me. I had the chance to meet Balmain’s CEO, Matteo, during a larger VIC dinner at the library. I couldn’t resist asking for a picture—everyone was surprised—but in true Darren fashion, my Minnesota roots kicked in, and I love to break the ice and connect with people on a personal level. In the spirit of Balmain, Matteo was so gracious, and it opened the door to more conversation with other clients—just like when the right song opens the door to deeper connections with collaborators in the studio.
Private Show with Olivier
Now, on to the private show with Olivier Rousteing. I’ve always admired his talent, but seeing him speak about Balmain with such passion and heart was something else. His commitment to the brand mirrors the dedication I’ve always had to music. It’s not just about the work—it’s about creating something that evokes emotions.
While it was technically a women’s show, we were promised a sneak peek at some men’s pieces, and wow, did they deliver. The standout for me? A 35-pound, fully jeweled trench coat that costs €75k. And here’s the kicker—I’m the perfect sample size for runway pieces, so I had the honor of trying it on. It took two people to get it back on the mannequin!
The men’s collection, themed around galaxies and constellations, was a masterpiece. I fell in love with three outfits, and the attention to detail—the pearls, the crystals—was as brilliant as Olivier himself.
It’s All In the Details
From private fittings to exclusive dinners, the VIC experience is all about being treated like royalty. There’s a personal touch at every turn, like being one of the few to access Olivier’s collection before the rest of the world sees it, or even getting permission to take a picture with the DJ in her one-of-a-kind, $100k dress—thanks to my Balmain rep pulling some strings.
And of course, there were some quintessential American moments too—like when I traded my usual Dunkin’ for Starbucks in Paris. Don’t judge! Jet lag hits hard, and sometimes you stick with what you know.
Passion Fuels Work
In my world, where creativity drives everything, fashion has become a powerful extension of who I am and what I stand for. The meticulously curated wardrobe, the VIP treatment, and the exclusive experience with Balmain weren’t just highlights of the week—they were reminders of how leaning into what you love can open doors in unexpected ways. Luxury designers, much like music, rely on passion to fuel their work.
When you present yourself authentically, people take notice, whether it’s in the studio, at an industry event, or at a dinner table with some of fashion’s elite. Fashion has always been about more than just clothes—it’s about self-expression, storytelling, and making an impact. And in the same way I approach music, I embrace the notion that passion drives everything. Fashion and music may seem worlds apart, but at their core, they both require creativity, dedication, and an unwavering love for the craft—values I’ve carried with me throughout my career.