Balmain’s New “Lion King” Collection Is a Celebration of Culture and Art

The Lion King is a film that needs no introduction.

When it was released in 1994, the animated masterpiece was met with acclaim, winning two Academy Awards, becoming the highest-grossing traditionally-animated film of all time, and spawning a major media franchise, with sequels, a TV series, a Broadway adaptation, and a CGI-remake, which then become the highest-grossing computer animated film of all time. Inspired by Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the musical flick explores themes of love, family, power, and spirituality that have resonated with generations of viewers—included none other than the creative director of Balmain, Olivier Rousteing.

Rousteing also needs no introduction. The designer has more than a decade of masterful work at Balmain under his belt, and in his first four years as creative director, it was estimated that he raised revenue for the brand by 15-20%. Through his lead post, he returned the brand to Haute Couture week, gave Rihanna her first luxury campaign, introduced menswear, and so much more. And for his latest move, he is honoring the 30th anniversary of The Lion King with a brand new collection, the first of its kind, with a complete ready-to-wear and accessories collection for men and women, called Disney x Balmain: The Lion King Collection.