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| BALMAIN: THE ICON OF TAILORED LUXURY

Balmain is a brand that’s all about bold statements and architectural design. Founded in 1945 by Pierre Balmain, the label has been synonymous with high fashion, combining sharp lines and luxurious materials to create a distinct, powerful look. It’s the kind of sharp, tailored piece you’d expect to see in a boardroom, designed to make an unforgettable entrance.

The quality, fit, and price vary a lot between these brands. Whether you're looking for something to splurge on or just a polished, everyday look, understanding the differences will help you make the right choice for your wardrobe. Let’s take a closer look. 

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Quality 

Made from wool twill with high-quality interlining, this blazer (picutred above) feels luxurious and has a beautifully structured, high-end look. Wool fabric molds to your body, enhancing the fit and giving the lapel and sleeves a sleek, polished shape. Plus, the natural fibres are breathable and help regulate body temperature, adding extra comfort to the mix.

The gold lion-head buttons are one of the brand’s signature details, a small yet striking element that makes their blazers truly stand out. 

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Finish

No puckering or pulling at any seams finishing and Balmain’s signature lion buttons are bold and eye-catching. The lining has inside pockets, which is great and is often only seen in men’s suits. 

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Fit

My verdict regarding the fit: Balmain’s clean, defined lines give them a modern, confident vibe. However, the sharp silhouette is made for women with a defined hourglass figure (small waist!!). Personally, I found it challenging to close the waist button (I’m an average size 38). The sales assistant confirmed that many clients struggle with this and offered to go a size up and take in the shoulders. A lot of alteration for a blazer that costs around £ 2500.

Given the price tag, I might lean toward other luxury options like Chloé or opt for a custom-tailored design if I'm after that perfectly tailored look. 

I'll be sharing images of the details—like the sharp lapels, bold buttons, and structured sleeves—so you can get a closer look at what makes this blazer truly exceptional.

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| VERONICA BEARD

This U.S. brand, run by two sisters, it’s a label that is popular for elevated workwear, known for its ethical practices (made in the USA)  and versatile sizing, especially popular with petite clients, offering styles with a modern, casual twist. Their gold-button blazers are perfect for business meetings or a casual school run. You can even pair it with a hoodie for a relaxed look.

Here is what I liked: The designs are timeless with nice buttons that add a touch of elegance. The fabric is heavier than most other highstreet alternatives. The overall style is more casual with the waistline less sharp - and more wearable) than Balmain’s and a bit longer than the relatively cropped version of Balmain. It’s a flattering, professional style that can be worn by most women. 

The letdowns: The material is mostly synthetic (63% Polyester, 27% Viscose, 7% Cotton, 3% Elastane) which is disappointing and doesn’t give the same luxurious feel and silhouette as a wool blazer. It also means it’s not breathable and that you get hot. There was pluckering at the lapel and pockets - something that becomes more visible with synthetics as the fabric does not mold. 

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| HIGH STREET BLAZERS (like H&M & Zara): 

Made from wool twill with high-quality interlining, this blazer feels luxurious and has a beautifully structured, high-end look. Wool fabric molds to your body, enhancing the fit and giving the lapel and sleeves a sleek, polished shape. Plus, the natural fibres are breathable and help regulate body temperature, adding extra comfort to the mix.

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Final Thoughts:
When choosing a gold-button blazer, focus on the fit, material, and finish. Whether it’s luxury or high street, a well-tailored blazer will always make a strong impression and elevate your look—just make sure it fits properly.

Did you know Kate Middleton’s secret to nailing Zara blazers? She gets them tailored to perfection.

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