Balmain Unveils New Line Of Ultra-Luxe Sunglasses
Creative director Olivier Rousteing has joined forces with Akoni Group to create a collection of eyewear like no other, which can now be shopped within the MENA region
A year of painstaking perfection was what it took for Olivier Rousteing and Swiss Eyewear House Akoni Group to craft Balmain’s first ultra-luxury collection of sunglasses (see interview with Akoni Group’s CEO and co-founder Rosario Toscano here.) Such was Rousteing’s excitement at the final prototype presentation that he expedited the launch.
“Although I knew it would cause more than a little bit of chaos, extra work and late nights, I had to have them — and I had to have them now. So, I pressured all the teams to push up the introduction of the glasses, in order to let me incorporate them into Balmain Menswear show in January 2020,” explains Rousteing.
Today, Balmain eyewear launches for the first time in the Middle East expanding upon the original styles and incorporating optical eyewear into the latest collection; the intricate details and high level of craftsmanship echo the spirit of the famed French atelier.
Rejecting today’s fast fashion formula, eyewear brand Akoni sets itself apart with an unwavering commitment to the highest-level of craftmanship. Based in Lugano, designed in Los Angeles and produced in Japan, the eyewear is art in motion. Aside from the meticulous attention paid to the eco-friendly materials and fit, it is the intricacy of the designs that prove how Akoni view eyewear as a true luxury accessory, instead of simply just another fashion touch.
“Balmain knew that we possessed the unique ability to authentically translate and imbue fashion brand DNA into a genuine high-end collection comparable to the best on offer from the finest eyewear-only brands,” says Akoni Group’s CEO and co-founder Rosario Toscano.
Working closely with Rousteing to ensure that the styles reflected the storied houses’ DNA, the designs harken back to Pierre Balmain’s affinity for opulent colour, visible in his signature gold medallions and buttons.
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Different cultural and historical cornerstones for the fashion house formed the basis of the designs. The B-1 shades are inspired by rock music styling with a thick acetate frame, straight brow line, and solid custom hinge system. The Wonder Boy is named after Rousteing’s autobiographical film and a personal favorite of the designer. Unwilling to wait for an official launch he integrated the sunglasses into his own wardrobe. Just like his familiar DB blazer, jeans and sneakers, this is a Balmain product that seemed destined from the beginning to form a part of the designer’s daily fashion uniform; “It’s that style that I slip on every morning,” he exclaims. Akoni’s commitment to perfection, meant that only 500 Wonder Boy frames were initially launched worldwide, each frame numbered and registered. Following in his fashionable footsteps The Wonder Boy has become a cult favourite amongst celebrities who were clamouring to get their hands on one of the limited-edition pieces.
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For the Spring 2021 runway Rousteing concentrated on the collection’s new Brigade-I and Brigade-II designs. The frames channel an 80’s pop vibe which complements the bright, fluorescent tones of the Balmain SS21 runway. Rousteing and Akoni were determined to ensure that the designs go well beyond the easy-to-identify branding.
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As Rousteing explains, “The Akoni team and I really wanted to push it farther than that — guaranteeing that those who know the house will be able to recognize key elements and themes from our latest seasons in these eyewear offerings. For example, the new Armour style incorporates the oversized golden chains that were such an important ingredient in my Fall 2020 shows, and which have since been adopted as a unique rebellion-meets-heritage house signature.”
The Balmain Eyewear collection will be exclusively available in Magrabi stores across Dubai on May 19, 2021. For more information visit, magrabi.com.
Lead image supplied.
