Balmain’s New “The Lion King” Collection Is a Celebration of Culture and Art
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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, including sequels, a spin-off TV series, a Broadway adaptation, and a 2019 CGI photorealistic remake, which then become the highest-grossing computer-animated film of all time. Inspired by Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the musical story explores themes of love, family, power, and spirituality that have resonated with generations of viewers—included none other than Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing.
Rousteing also needs no introduction. The designer has more than a decade of masterful work at the French fashion house under his belt, and in his first four years as creative director, it was estimated that he raised revenue for the brand by 15 to 20 percent. In his lead post, he has returned the brand to Couture Week, given Rihanna her first luxury campaign, introduced menswear, and done 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, a complete ready-to-wear and accessories line for men and women, Disney × Balmain: The Lion King Collection.
“The Lion King’s captivating story, lively characters, and breathtaking scenery have enchanted me since the first time that I saw the film when I was nine years old,” Rousteing tells Harper’s Bazaar in an exclusive interview. “The film’s themes of courage, self-discovery, and Africa’s natural beauty inspire our designs, adding a sense of adventure and strength that celebrates the continent’s rich cultural heritage.”
Rousteing, who was adopted by his parents when he was just one year old, was raised in the southwestern part of France and grew up believing he was of mixed race. In 2019, however, he discovered he is fully African, with a Somali birth mother and an Ethiopian birth father. (His journey to find his birth mother was documented in the 2019 documentary Wonder Boy.)
For the campaign tied to the Lion King collection, the Balmain team headed to South Africa—a critical and emotional moment for Rousteing. “The content shoot was my first visit to South Africa, and it left a deep impression on me,” he says. “The stunning landscapes, diverse cultural heritage, and vibrant colors of the African savanna greatly influenced my creative perspective. Seeing our beautiful garments being worn in the very place that inspired them brought me immense joy.”
As president of Disney consumer products Tasia Filippatos notes, Rousteing’s recent uncovering of his African heritage made the collection even more special. “What’s so unique about this collection is that it is both distinctly Balmain and The Lion King all at once,” she tells Bazaar. “I also believe what makes this so special is the driving force of Olivier’s personal connection to the story. The film and collection are both anchored in returning to one’s roots, and telling this story through an elevated fashion collection has been a wonderful journey for both teams.”
The collection does feel unmistakably Balmain: sharp silhouettes and dramatic volume, intricate patterns and shimmering metals. “At Balmain, we specialize in sharp tailoring, ornate embellishments, and a strong sense of glamour,” Rousteing notes. “[This] collection embodies French elegance while embracing African culture.”
When crafting the Lion King collection, Rousteing turned to three rising African artists—South African painters Nika Mtwana and Cassius Khumalo, and Cameroonian painter Enfant Précoce—to help craft the eye-popping patterns featured on the designs. “Collaborating with [them] was also incredibly helpful,” Rousteing says. “Together we celebrated Africa and the beauty captured by The Lion King. They each brought their own interpretation of the film in ways that only they could. It is a privilege to have their art on these special Balmain pieces.”
The result is a fabulous collection that offers an elevated take on the Disney classic. Swirling dresses and flowing gowns feature kaleidoscopic patterns and intricate stitching. A few of the pieces are actually painted with characters from the film, while others feature an image of a face blown up to the size of the garment. The variety is rich, from the swathes of color to the use of beads and fur.
Of course, for both Disney and Balmain, the objective was to honor the movie in a fresh way, while still appealing to longtime fans. “I was very inspired by Africa and the colors and textures seen in the animated and live-action versions of The Lion King,” Rousteing says.
Filippatos adds: “For a milestone such as this one, we wanted to create something that celebrates the animated masterpiece and its impact on culture, the spirit of Africa, and the true essence of the house of Balmain. There really is something special about The Lion King that resonates with people of all ages and makes it truly timeless—even 30 years later. It conveys such powerful lessons: overcoming adversity, bravery, finding new friendships and family, the quest of self-discovery. It’s an incredibly moving film.”
Disney × Balmain: The Lion King Collection will launch on July 8.
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