Balmain and Disney Release The Lion King Collection

Just days after creating Gigi Hadid's look for Vogue World 2024, Olivier Rousteing has once again "distinguished himself" in the public eye. This time with an unexpected partnership. For the 30th anniversary of the release of Disney's The Lion King, the designer has teamed up with the entertainment giant to create a ready-to-wear and accessories collection for men and women inspired by the animated film.

For Olivier, the collaboration was a “dream come true,” bringing his first viewing of The Lion King to a full circle at age 9. “Even now, almost three decades later, I can close my eyes and replay that incredible mix of music, images and emotions,” he wrote on social media.

A perfect marriage of Balmain’s freewheeling sophistication and the timeless universality of the film’s coming-of-age phenomenon, Rousteing’s line has rich soil to draw from. “The Lion King universe is so inspiring, the script and characters are so beautiful in color and texture,” the designer told Hypebeast. “I was so captivated by the physicality and story as well as the messages of destiny, heritage, and resilience. Creating this collection was an act of love.”

Young African artists also participated in the partnership. Nika Mtwana and Cassius Kumalo created enigmatic images for various T-shirts, tops and dresses. Cameroonian Enfant Precocque depicted Simba on coats, suits, dresses and bags. The collection became a kind of confirmation of identity and evolution of Rousteing as a person and a creative unit. “As an adopted child, I see myself as Simba. A lonely lion cub who created his own unique family while searching for the truth about his origins,” the designer said. “I integrate this mixture of resilience and heritage into my designs for Balmain.”

The Lion King collection by Balmain will be released in limited edition and will be featured in a short film by Femi Oladigbolu, as well as on the brand's official website and in boutiques from July 8th.