FOR THE first time in its history, Balmain is collaborating with Disney to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Academy Award-winning animation film, The Lion King.
Creating a complete ready-to-wear collection, along with accessories, for both men and women, the creative director Olivier Rousteing is taking the French House into the Sahara with this capsule.
“Working on this collaboration was a dream come true,” stated Rousteing. “I was only nine years old when “The Lion King” was first released, but still today, almost three decades later, I only need to close my eyes to replay that incredible mix of music, images and emotions. The lessons that I absorbed, as I sat, absolutely transfixed by what was happening on the giant screen in front of me, have remained with me for my entire life.”
Disney x Balmain: The Lion King collection
Disney x Balmain: The Lion King collection
Just in time for the release of a new feature film later this year by Disney, Mufasa: The Lion King, the collection aims not only to honour this new journey for the cast, but also to introduce a collective of young talent in the adjoining campaign, shot on the Western Cape.
Building upon the legacy of spotlighting the next generation, a group of African creatives, from South African painter Nika Mtwana, to Cameroonian painter Enfant Precoco to South African painter Cassius Khumalo, are pushed into the spotlight with this collaboration, helping honour the history of the two brands.
Disney x Balmain: The Lion King collection
Disney x Balmain: The Lion King collection
With the spirit of Africa coming alive in these designs, ABC Owned Television Stations has shot a documentary, titled On The Red Carpet Storytellers Spotlight: Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ x Balmain. Premiering two days after the collections release on the 10 July, audiences will get a special insight into the journey of the designer, the creation of the pieces and the coming together of a new Balmain army.
by Imogen Clark
The collection is available to purchase from 8 July 2024.