A-List Models Shine at the Balmain x H&M Launch: Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss, and More

The Balmain x H&M collection, launched on November 5, 2015, was one of the decade’s most highly anticipated designer collaborations. The partnership brought together Swedish fast-fashion giant H&M and French luxury fashion house Balmain, led by creative director Olivier Rousteing. Known for his bold, opulent designs, Rousteing translated Balmain’s signature glamorous, embellished aesthetic into a more accessible, wallet-friendly collection.

Ahead of the launch, a star-studded runway show took place in New York on October 20, 2015, featuring supermodels like Karlie Kloss, Gigi Hadid, and Joan Smalls, with a surprise performance by the Backstreet Boys that fueled the collection’s global hype. The collaboration sparked a shopping frenzy — dubbed #HMBalmaination — with items selling out within hours and H&M’s website crashing due to overwhelming demand.

Kendall Jenner commands the runway in two striking Balmain x H&M looks, pairing bold, structured silhouettes and intricate gold detailing with sleek black pointed-toe boots that elevate her statuesque frame

Kendall Jenner, the campaign’s muse, led the Balmain army. The reality star was joined by fellow models and real-life friends Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss, Alessandra Ambrosio, Jourdan Dunn, and Jessica Stam.

Kendall Jenner exudes confidence on the runway of the Balmain x H&M collection launch at 23 Wall St. in Manhattan, New York City, on October 20, 2015 (Credit: WENN / C.Smith / Andres Otero)

Showing off the stunning pieces on the runway, these towering models wore bold accessories to amp up their edgy ensembles — chunky necklaces, overwhelming bracelets, wide belts, and chandelier earrings that demanded attention.

Alessandra Ambrosio captivates in two glamorous Balmain x H&M looks, pairing intricate beading and bold tailoring with over-the-knee suede boots and studded open-toe heels that highlight her long, lean legs

Available in select H&M stores worldwide and online, the collection featured over 100 pieces spanning womenswear, menswear, and accessories.

It became H&M’s most expensive designer collaboration at the time, with prices ranging from $34.99 for T-shirts to $649 for an intricately beaded dress adorned with 250,000 hand-sewn beads.

Alessandra Ambrosio mesmerizes in a rich blue Balmain x H&M creation (Credit: WENN / C.Smith / Andres Otero)

Karlie Kloss turns heads in a plunging Balmain x H&M jumpsuit with bold geometric beading, cinched waist, and studded peep-toe booties that elongate her statuesque 6ft 1 height on the runway

Gigi Hadid radiates on the runway in an opulent Balmain x H&M ensemble featuring gold-embellished beadwork and a metallic belt, paired with strappy gladiator heels that add height and drama to her statuesque frame