GREECE IS THE WORD: Fashion keeps cozying up to luxury resorts: On Saturday night, the likes of Kim Cattrall and Kylie Minogue descended on an idyllic Athens suburb to check out what Balmain has done to the main pool and beach areas of the One&Only Aesthesis.
Balmain’s creative director Olivier Rousteing created the decor, umbrellas, towels, sun beds and floating loungers, incorporating heritage patterns including the Labyrinth, plus some of the elements from his Miami-inspired pre-fall collection for the Paris-based house.
Model Candice Swanepoel and a band of synchronized swimmers, some clutching Jolie Madame handbags, created fun eye candy for Balmain’s Instagram feed.
The summer collaboration kicks off a partnership between Balmain and One&Only, which operates 14 resort hotels and spas in distinct destinations.
Rousteing typically heads to Greece each summer for a little R&R, but over the weekend he hosted a weekend full of pool parties, excursions and fine dining, culminating with a late-night party at Manko, the beachfront dining spot at the One&Only Aesthesis.
Among other notable guests were Alton Mason, Joe Jonas, Chanel Iman, Jon Kortajarena, Jordan Hames and Melia Kreiling.
In tandem with the collaboration is a limited-edition Balmain x One&Only 1945 Cabas, a special version of one of the house’s most popular accessories, identifiable by its oversize silhouette, chunky gold hardware and sans serif logo. The special One&Only version is further embellished with faux fur.
The One&Only Aesthesis is located in the Glyfada neighborhood, prized for its protected pine grove and archaeological artifacts. A short drive from Athens, the resort boasts a Guerlain spa and several eateries, including Ora by chef Ettore Botrini.