2026 Auction Lots

Two (2) $10,000 gift certificates for a Balmain store in the winners’ U.S. city of choice

Five (5) night bespoke Paris fashion experience in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 for two (2) couples

VIP Meet and Greet, roundtrip airport services with customs assistance
Roundtrip airport transfers and private ground transportation to all stated activities in Paris

Five (5) nights’ accommodations in Suites at Five-star Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal
Four (4) tickets to the exclusive Balmain Paris Fashion Week Ready-to-Wear Show
Four (4) tickets to Balmain’s exclusive party and cocktail reception
Two (2) dinners and two (2) lunches hosted by a Balmain representative

Having photographed runways during Fashion Week, Red knows there are few things more exciting than getting the first glimpse of what the smartly dressed woman will be wearing in the months to come. And of course, the ultimate location to experience this thrill is Paris, the world capital of fashion.

Two couples will have an inside view of Paris Fashion Week, seen from the perspective of the legendary house of Balmain. You’ll be captivated by the glamour of the models, the exclusivity of the events and the famous cuisine of the French capital. Depending on your schedule, you can choose to visit either in the spring or fall, but Paris is enchanting in any season.

Pierre Balmain was born in 1914 in France. His father owned a drapery business, and his mother and sister owned a fashion boutique where he often worked. He attended the École des Beaux-Arts in 1933–1934, intending to study architecture but instead spending the majority of his time designing dresses. After the end of World War II, he opened his own fashion house and released his first collection in October 1945 and his first fragrance, Jolie Madame, in 1949. Balmain outfitted stars including Ava Gardner, Brigitte Bardot, Marlene Dietrich, the Nicaraguan First Lady Hope Portocarrero and Queen Sirikit of Thailand. Oscar de la Renta supervised the house for a decade after Balmain’s death, and Olivier Rousteing, the current director, has been at the helm since 2011. The Balmain style exudes elegance, sophistication and impeccable taste.

Your home in Paris will be the Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal, a Five-star luxury boutique property located close to the Louvre and the Tuileries Gardens. Housed in a beautifully restored building dating to 1820, the hotel offers an intimate bar, a health-oriented restaurant and a vast terrace overlooking the quiet Place de Valois. It is famous for its commitment to sustainability and guest welfare, with attentive service and respect for the environment.

It’s hard to describe the excitement of watching the models parade down the runway at the Balmain Ready-to-Wear Show, and your group will have a privileged view as it unfolds. In addition, you’ll attend Balmain’s famous after-party, traditionally held at Le Bristol. You’ll rub elbows with celebrities and movie stars, sip designer cocktails and dance the night away while enjoying the celebratory hospitality of Olivier Rousteing. During your stay, Balmain’s representatives will make sure you experience the incomparable cuisine of Paris.

To take advantage of their inside track on the latest fashions, each couple will receive a $10,000 gift certificate for a private shopping experience at any of Balmain’s locations in the United States.

Red will be sitting on your shoulder during Fashion Week, snapping photos of all the unforgettable moments. For someone conscious of the finest clothes and latest trends, this is the lot to splurge on!

Insider's Info

This trip is for two (2) couples. It is date specific and will take place during the Balmain fashion experience in Paris in either Fall 2026 or Spring 2027. Specific dates will be confirmed closer to the time of the events. Airfare is not included for any portion of the trip. One (1) roundtrip group airport transfer is included in Paris. Guests arriving or departing separately will be responsible for the costs of any additional transfers. Airfare and ground transportation are not included for the shopping experience in the U.S. city of the winners’ choice. Select alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beverages and gratuities are included with the stated meals hosted by Balmain. Any additional meals, beverages, activities or gratuities are the responsibility of the winning bidders.

Donor

Balmain