Denim on ice? At the Winter Olympics, figure skating’s fashion enters a new era

US figure skater Ilia Malinin performs his final skate at the Winter Olympics in Italy recently wearing jeans from Balmain, designed by Olivier Rousteing. -- AFP

French luxury brand Balmain, under creative director Olivier Rousteing, reached new audiences when his designs were embraced by prominent cultural figures such as the Kardashians, Michelle Obama and Barbie.

Rousteing and Balmain parted ways last fall after a 14-year relationship – his successor, Antonin Tron, is showing his first collection for the brand next month during Paris Fashion Week.