Disney has partnered with Balmain to create a Lion King themed limited-edition collection available from July globally.
Image by Joel Anderson
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Academy Award-winning Walt Disney Animation Studios’ classic The Lion King and the upcoming theatrical release of Mufasa: The Lion King in December, the Disney x Balmain: The Lion King collection will be released across the globe on 8th July. For the limited-edition offering, Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing and his team have created a collection of ready-to-wear pieces and accessories for men and women. The striking designs build directly upon Disney’s acclaimed storytelling, as well as the powerful themes and unforgettable cast of characters that distinguish Disney’s The Lion King. This collection marks the first collaboration between Disney and the historic French fashion house.
“Working on this collaboration was a dream come true,” said Olivier. “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.”
The collection incorporates key ingredients of Balmain’s DNA. In addition, there is a clear continuation of Olivier Rousteing’s examination of his personal biography, reflected in his fascination with the brilliant creativity that sets apart African craft and artistry, a theme that has notably marked his Paris Fashion Week runways since the discovery that his birth parents were originally from Somalia and Ethiopia. Africa’s stunning weavings, patterns, intricate embroideries and silhouettes continued to be strong inspirations for Olivier and his Balmain design team, as they worked on this collection.
The collection is showcased in a short film directed by Femi Oladigbolu and produced by Disney in collaboration with Balmain, shot at different locations in South Africa’s Western Cape province. The film will be shown during the 5th July Lion King In Concert evening at London’s Royal Albert Hall, featuring the Chineke! Orchestra conducted by Sarah Hicks.
The Disney x Balmain: The Lion King collection will launch online at Balmain.com and across the globe at Balmain addresses and the world’s leading fashion boutiques. In London, both Selfridges and Harrods will feature the collection. In Paris, the large windows at Balmain’s rue Saint Honoré flagship will be dedicated to the entire collection. For more information on the collection’s pop-up locations, visit Balmain.com or Balmain’s social media accounts.
