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 July 8th.
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.
The collection incorporates key ingredients of Balmain’s DNA. While guiding the house for the last thirteen years, Olivier Rousteing has consistently riffed on three essentials : a deep reverence for Balmain’s singular heritage, a passion for the incomparable savoir-faire of Parisian couture, and a willingness to build upon intimate reflections about his own distinctive voyage through life.
Furthermore, the collection is featured in a short film shot in South Africa by Femi Oladigbolu, which weaves together the collection’s designs, incredible scenery and the story of a Rousteing-led Balmain Army, composed of models from all across Africa, making its way toward a joyous homecoming celebration.
This collaboration also shines a spotlight directly upon a new generation of young African talents. Both Disney and Balmain are proud of their long traditions of championing emerging artists and this new collection builds upon that shared history, introducing a grouping of fresh and appealing visions to a global audience.
South African painter Nika Mtwana created a compelling Afrofuturistic portrait for the collection—cleverly managing to incorporate a scene from “The Lion King” into his work, via a reflection on the lens of his subject’s sunglasses. Rousteing adapted Mtwana’s design into the colorful prints that cover some of the limited-edition collection’s tees, tops and dresses.
Disney x Balmain: The Lion King collection, an offering of ready-to-wear designs and accessories for men and women, finds inspiration in Africa’s artisanal traditions, while celebrating a new generation of African talents.