The luxury house’s Spring 2025 collection will be featured at the museum’s annual event
The Tampa Art Museum will showcase Balmain’s Spring 2025 collection at its annual fundraising event, City: Fashion+Art+Culture, on March 29. The runway show, expected to draw 400 guests, will take place on the museum’s south terrace, overlooking downtown Tampa. The event aims to raise $200,000 for the museum’s educational programs, with ticket prices starting at $500 and top-level sponsorships reaching $75,000. While Balmain has signed on as a $50,000 sponsor, the luxury house will not receive any proceeds, as the event is strictly a fundraiser.
Attendees can expect to see intricate designs, including embellished gowns with pearl patterns and elaborate embroidery, some requiring weeks of craftsmanship. While Balmain’s creative director, Olivier Rousteing, is not expected at the event, the brand has been involved in shaping the runway presentation. “The biggest challenge for us is how to scale this show because it is opening our doors to new audiences,” said Nina Contreras Womeldurf, the museum’s director of marketing and communications. Following the show, guests will attend an after-party with Balmain representatives and receive curated gift bags.
The Tampa Art Museum, originally established in 1920, continues to grow its reputation with high-profile collaborations. “We’re just excited that Balmain chose Tampa Bay. We think it is a good reflection of the growth that we’ve seen in our area,” Womeldurf said. With a designer already secured for next year’s event, the museum plans to announce details later, ensuring Balmain remains the focus of this year’s showcase.
