Luxury fashion brand Balmain and water brand Evian have announced their second collaboration, this time taking a sportswear approach. The collection features ready-to-wear clothing and accessories, all designed with sustainability and the use of recycled materials in mind. Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing and his team have created limited-edition designs that combine classic sportswear silhouettes with soft pastel shades.
In an effort to promote a sustainable future for fashion, the collection was developed using various eco-friendly practices, materials, and innovations. Balmain partnered with recycling innovations specialist Solaris to create unique designs. Notably, the collection includes the sleek and transparent B-It slider, made entirely from plastic waste that would typically be considered unsuitable for reuse. Solaris also assisted with the creation of the luxury Blaze handbag, which is 3D-printed using a 45% plant-based resin mixture. The bag’s handle and lock logo were also 3D-printed using 100% recycled material derived from Evian waste.
The collection is now available for purchase on Balmain’s website and in select boutiques worldwide. In addition to its sustainability focus, the collaboration aims to celebrate the joy of summer with the tagline “Together, change is beautiful.”
Balmain and Evian are committed to driving sustainability in the fashion industry. Rousteing hopes to inspire his team and the wider fashion community to make conscious choices throughout the production process, including sourcing, recycling, upcycling, and sustainable manufacturing. He believes that conscience and creativity can go hand in hand to create beautiful designs while respecting the planet.
The collection features a diverse range of sustainable materials, including GOTS-certified organic cotton, FSC-certified viscose, and various GRS-certified recycled materials. The packaging also incorporates sustainable practices, with recycled polyester labels and composition stickers, paper packaging from sustainably managed forests, and recycled plastic hangers and bags.
With a focus on soft pastel colors and gradient treatments, the capsule collection offers a variety of summer looks. One standout piece is a short blue dress beautifully embroidered by the Balmain atelier using FSC-certified viscose, demonstrating that sustainability can be runway-ready.
Rousteing collaborated with artisans recognized as “Living Heritage Companies” by the French government. Both Balmain and Evian have deep roots in the Savoy region of France, and the collaboration’s campaign showcases their shared origin story. Director Carlota Guerrero filmed dance troupe La Marche Bleue in the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees, capturing the message of “Together, Change Is Beautiful” through choreographed sequences.
This collaboration between Balmain and Evian illustrates their commitment to sustainability and belief in the power of fashion to drive positive change. By pushing the boundaries of design and embracing new materials and practices, they showcase the potential for a more sustainable and beautiful future in the fashion industry.
Here are two useful links about sustainable fashion practices:
1. Vogue: What Can Be Done About Fashion Textile Waste
2. Good On You: How Fashion Brands Are Embracing Sustainability
