Leslie Bibb, Helena Christensen, and Balmain: An Intimate Dinner at Baz Luhrmann’s Monsieur

When Balmain crosses the Atlantic, it doesn’t just arrive—it makes an entrance. Any soirée is sure to combine camaraderie, revelry, and a splash of the unexpected. At Monsieur – where the interior finishes combine eclectic charm with gothic opulence—an intimate dinner played out under the light of chandeliers and graceful, flickering taper candles.

“This is a reunion of people that have been supporting me from the beginning, along with new friends that have arrived along my journey,” creative director Olivier Rousteing shared at the party.

Guests ranging from Helena Christensen and Leslie Bibb to Brooke Shields, Ivy Getty, and Aweng Chuol arrived in an array of Balmain looks, with each paying homage to the house’s signature codes. As guests mingled and the buzz of the evening began, Shields reflected: “I’m a big fan – I really respect Olivier’s work, his creativity, and I’m excited to see what he does next.”

Supporters of the house toasted Balmain and the creative director with the venue’s specialty drinks for the night (tropical Acapulco Gold, anyone?), and a menu by sister location The Nines. Imagine an array of passed caviar-topped blinis and tomato tartlets to set the stage, before filet mignon and fries touched down family-style around the room’s cozy assortment of tables.

“When you have Balmain dress you, you’re the luckiest person,” Bibb said, dressed in an intricately constructed dress and tall-shouldered jacket. “I went to my first show in Paris recently, and it was so beautiful and luxurious.”

As the evening unfolded, the celebration felt less like a formal affair and more like a gathering of old, dear (and particularly suave) friends. Small groups periodically ducked out for air while others caught up over various courses, with the hum of dinnertime chatter punctuated by laughter long into the night.