Balmain collaborates with Oliver Peoples, the Los Angeles-based eyewear design company, to create its first eyewear designs: two (2) Limited Edition sunglass styles to be introduced Spring of 2010.
Known for its progressive yet understated designs and handcrafted quality, Oliver Peoples has over 20 years of experience as a leader in the eyewear industry. “The collaboration with Christophe and his team felt completely natural,” says Oliver Peoples Founder and Creative Director, Larry Leight. “The brands make sense together from a design standpoint in that both maintain an inspirational position and value a premium level of quality. Those who want the best in runway turn to Balmain, and those who want the best in eyewear turn to Oliver Peoples.”
The first Limited Edition sunglass (to be made available in March/April), named simply Balmain I, is a bold, unisex style that reflects the edgy aesthetics developed by designer Christophe Decarnin on the runway. Featuring an exaggerated teardrop lens shape in a form-fitting wrap, the Balmain I is a mixed-media style, crafted with a metal top bar and temples, and an acetate eyewire. Unified with four screws along the backside, the frame also features a flexible hinge for added comfort. Two color options are available: solid black and a black/silver combination.
Both Limited Edition Oliver Peoples for Balmain designs will be sold by

.