Balmain has teamed up with Disney to create a special fashion collection inspired by “The Lion King.” This collaboration, known as the Disney x Balmain: The Lion King collection, features ready-to-wear designs and accessories for both men and women. The collection draws inspiration from Africa’s rich artisanal traditions and aims to celebrate a new generation of African talents.
The collection is showcased in a short film directed by Femi Oladigbolu, shot in South Africa. The film beautifully intertwines the collection’s designs with the stunning South African scenery, telling the story of a Balmain Army led by Olivier Rousteing, composed of models from across Africa, making their way to a joyous homecoming celebration. This film will be presented during the “Lion King In Concert” event at London’s Royal Albert Hall on July 5th, featuring the Chineke! Orchestra.
The Disney x Balmain: The Lion King collection will be released globally on July 8th, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Disney’s classic “The Lion King” and the upcoming release of “Mufasa: The Lion King” in December. Olivier Rousteing, Balmain’s Creative Director, and his team have crafted a collection that builds on Disney’s storytelling and the powerful themes and unforgettable characters of “The Lion King.” This marks the first collaboration between Disney and the historic French fashion house.
Rousteing expressed his excitement about the collaboration, noting that working on it was a dream come true. He recalled being nine years old when “The Lion King” was first released and how the film’s mix of music, images, and emotions left a lasting impact on him. The collection incorporates key elements of Balmain’s DNA, including a deep reverence for the house’s heritage, a passion for Parisian couture, and reflections on Rousteing’s personal journey.
The collection also highlights the creativity of African craft and artistry, a theme that has been significant for Rousteing since discovering his birth parents were from Somalia and Ethiopia. Africa’s stunning weavings, patterns, embroideries, and silhouettes have been strong inspirations for Rousteing and his team as they worked on this collection.
This collaboration also shines a spotlight on a new generation of young African talents. Disney and Balmain are proud of their traditions of championing emerging artists, and this collection introduces fresh and appealing visions to a global audience. South African painter Nika Mtwana created an Afrofuturistic portrait for the collection, incorporating a scene from “The Lion King” into his work. Rousteing adapted Mtwana’s design into colorful prints for tees, tops, and dresses. Cameroonian painter Enfant Precoce focused on Simba, depicting the character navigating a dreamlike landscape filled with African wildlife. Precoce’s design covers totes, coats, suits, tees, and gowns. South African painter Cassius Khumalo created a striking portrait of Nala, which has been adapted for totes, tees, and hoodies.
The collection is showcased in a short film directed by Femi Oladigbolu and produced by Disney in collaboration with Balmain. Shot in South Africa’s Western Cape province, the film weaves together the natural beauty of the region with the collection’s striking designs. The film will be shown during the “Lion King In Concert” event at London’s Royal Albert Hall, featuring the Chineke! Orchestra conducted by Sarah Hicks. Oladigbolu’s film celebrates the power of community and the inspiration behind Rousteing’s designs for The Lion King Collection.
Rousteing explained that the collection’s inspiration comes from celebrating where we come from to see where we are headed. This theme is central to “The Lion King” and reflects Rousteing’s design process at Balmain, where he constantly references the house’s history while exploring his own origins. Returning to Africa to work on this film was a moving experience for Rousteing, releasing the same wave of emotions he felt when he first watched “The Lion King.”
Tasia Filippatos, President of Disney Consumer Products, praised the collaboration, noting that the collection beautifully captures the heart and essence of “The Lion King” and the spirit of Africa. This collaboration continues Disney’s legacy of working with global visionaries and spotlighting future generations of creatives.
To further highlight Rousteing’s personal journey, ABC Owned Television Stations will present a documentary special titled “On The Red Carpet Storytellers Spotlight: Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ x Balmain,” as well as a special episode of “Localish Unfiltered.” These will premiere on Hulu and ABC’s streaming and digital platforms on July 10.
The Disney x Balmain: The Lion King collection will launch on July 8th, available online at Balmain.com and at Balmain boutiques and leading fashion stores worldwide. Pop-up boutiques will open on July 8th at Los Angeles’ Saks Fifth Avenue Beverly Hills and on July 11th at Hong Kong’s Harbor City. In London, Selfridges and Harrods will feature the collection, and in Paris, Balmain’s rue Saint Honoré flagship will dedicate its large windows to the entire collection.
Source: Disney Consumer Products, Harper’s Bazaar
