In a recent announcement, Balmain revealed its exciting partnership with renowned artist Jeff Cole for the launch of exclusive artwork inspired by the Balmain Unicorn Sneaker. The collaboration aims to showcase Cole’s expertise in digital design and his ability to bring to life the futuristic silhouette of the Unicorn sneaker, in line with the creative direction of Olivier Rousteing, the creative director of Balmain.
Known for his vibrant illustrations and dynamic animations created using digital tools, Cole is the perfect artist to introduce Rousteing’s latest sneaker designs. To give audiences a glimpse of the collaboration, a special video titled “The Balmain Unicorn x Jeff Cole” will be released on various social media platforms.
Cole expressed his excitement about the partnership, revealing that he was already captivated by the Unicorn sneaker even before the Balmain team approached him. He described the shoes as unique and unexpected, almost as if they were from another world. When Rousteing expressed his desire for Cole to have complete artistic freedom, it served as a true inspiration for the artist.
The premiere of Cole’s designs will take place at Balmain’s newly inaugurated Madison Avenue boutique during the NFT.NYC conference this month. This exclusive event will feature Cole’s Balmain Unicorn animation, which will be minted as an NFT (non-fungible token). Bids for the NFT will be accepted exclusively on the mintnft.com marketplace from June 21 to June 24, 2022. The winning bidder will not only receive the NFT but also a special pair of Unicorn sneakers signed by Rousteing and an invitation for two to experience the Balmain Festival in September.
Rousteing expressed his satisfaction with the final artwork created by Cole, praising the artist’s understanding of the essence of the Balmain Unicorn. Rather than resorting to clichéd interpretations, Cole incorporated fantastic colors and captivating animations, seamlessly integrating the Balmain Unicorn’s distinctive lacing system and the breaking waves on the upper into his creature’s facial features.
This collaboration between Balmain and Jeff Cole is a testament to the fashion house’s commitment to merging art, technology, and fashion. By partnering with a talented digital artist like Cole, Balmain continues to push boundaries and create unique experiences for its customers. The exclusive digital designs and NFT launch serve as a true reflection of Balmain’s vision and the innovative spirit of both the brand and the artist.
To learn more about Balmain and Jeff Cole’s collaboration, visit the following links:
1. Balmain Official Website
2. Jeff Cole’s Website
