Pride of the Lion: Disney and Balmain Celebrate ‘The Lion King’

Can you feel the love tonight?

Today marks the official unveiling of Balmain’s collaboration with Disney, celebrating the 30th anniversary of The Lion King. For Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing — whose work you may remember from Margot Robbie’s pink “Barbie” tour print — the collection was an opportunity to delve into his treasured memories of seeing the movie as a child, while explored the rich cultural roots of the film’s African setting.

“I was only 9 years old when The Lion King was first released,” Rousteing recalls, “but still today, almost three decades later, I only have to close my eyes to reproduce that incredible mix of music, imagery and emotions.â€

In addition to the auspicious anniversary, the collection also comes a few months before the December release of Mufasa: The Lion King. So it’s the perfect time to collaborate with a fashion house known for honoring its extensive archive – dating back to 1945 – while keeping an eye on the future.

Enlisting three African designers to create bespoke designs for the collection, Rousteing brought the timeless story to life in a range of ready-to-wear and couture pieces.

Cameroonian painter Enfant Précoce contributed vivid scenes of protagonist Simba exploring the world alongside the zoological supporting characters of The Lion King, available in colorful and black-and-white renditions. An Afrofuturistic portrait – the work of South African painter Nika Mtwanan – features a figure wearing sunglasses reflecting an iconic scene from the beloved film. Finally, South African painter Cassius Khumalo is behind the richly nuanced portrait of Nala, the adventurous lioness who grows up alongside Simba in the film.

In addition to these evocative works of art – adapted for the collection in a range of garments and accessories – there are pieces that feel like a direct continuation of the innovative Balmain styles that Rousteing is known for: mini dresses that combine glamor with armor, handbag adaptations Balmain’s B-Buzz and alluring, futuristic flourishes.

The entire spectacle was captured in a Disney-produced short film by writer-director Femi Oladigbolu, where the collection is brought to life on 30 models from across Africa. Rousteing calls it a “Balmain Army” a perfectly fitting title for the formidable tapestry of rich colors, textures and patterns that come together when the collection is on display in full force.

Available now on Balmain’s website and in select locations worldwide, the luxury collaboration is yours. Hakuna Matata and happy shopping.