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.

Lion King Balmain 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. However, in 2019, he discovered that he was fully African, with a Somali birth mother and an Ethiopian birth father (and his journey to find his birth mom was documented in the film Wonder Boy).

Disney Lion King Balmain collection

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.”

Disney Lion King Balmain collection

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,” the designer notes. “[This] collection embodies French elegance while embracing African culture.”

Disney Lion King Balmain collection

When crafting The Lion King Collection, Rousteing turned to three rising artists—South African painters Nika Mtwana and Cassius Khumalo, and Cameroonian painter Enfant Precoce—to help craft the eye-popping patterns that feature on the designs. “Collaborating with [Mtwana, Precoce, and Khumalo] 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.”

Disney Lion King Balmain collection

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 explains.

Disney Lion King Balmain collection

Meanwhile, 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 x Balmain: The Lion King Collection will launch on July 8.