Introduced at its Men’s Paris Fashion Week show,  Balmain first previewed its new eyewear collection the runway. For almost a year, the houses of Balmain and Akoni have been developing an idea for the iconic french label to release their own line of eyewear. Originally slated for a release at the women’s show during February’s Paris Fashion Week, that notion was quickly re-routed 0nce the creative director saw the finished glasses. “As soon as I saw them, I was determined to have them immediately,” explains Rousteing. “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 the creative director coordinated with all teams involved to expedite the eyewear launch just in time for the Men’s Fall/Winter 2020 show.

The glasses come in a range of classic Balmain silhouettes with strong frames and the use of decedent blacks and signature Pierre Balmain’s gold touches, staying true to the codes of the house and the ever-popular #BalmainArmy aesthetic. The level of craftsmanship and attention to detail echo the legendary ateliers of Balmain.

The standout frame in the entire collection is titled ‘Wonder Boy’, dedicated to Monsieur Rousteing himself after the Akoni team noticed him gravitating to that particular model. “the entire team could spot my love for that unique model at each and every stage of the development—which is why they decided to name it ‘Wonder Boy.’ And, yes, I’ve already begun slipping that style on every morning”.

Quality craftsmanship reigns supreme for both houses, making the partnership a dream come true for both brands. “Just like Balmain, Akoni works with nothing but the highest quality of materials and the best artisans,” says Rosario Toscano, Akoni’s CEO. “That’s why we’re based in Lugano, design in Los Angeles and produce in Japan—relying on a global team of experts that allows us to create the type of eyewear that aligns perfectly with a thoroughly modern-yet-historic house like Balmain.”

Balmain Eyewear by Akoni is priced at 500 to over 1000 Euros and be will be available online starting in April of this year and in select stores and Balmain boutiques worldwide.