Why Shop With Shade Station
Useful Links
Balmain utilises ultra premium Japanese acetate and titanium for a featherlight yet bespoke build. Hypoallergenic ceramic nose pads are moulded ergonomically for long lasting comfort. Sunglass lenses are equipped with anti-reflective, oil-resistant coatings.
“I never tried to be a rebel or disruptive. When you’re young, you don’t care about the system; you want to create your own system.”
- Olivier Rousteing
Balmain. Esteemed for its audacious design theory that fuses bold geometries and creative designs that intertwine distinctive shapes, intricate detailing and commanding aesthetics. A seamless marriage of expert artistry features the star power of iconic figures, further elevating the collection to a realm of exclusivity where each piece is symbolic of luxury and personal style.
Balmain’s atelier demonstrates mastery with impeccable Parisian tailoring and construction, a tradition that dates back to its beginning. Balmain Eyewear exceeds the role of a functional accessory, poised as a statement of individuality, cutting-edge fashion and status for those who reject convention.
The Parisian brand melds the storied couture heritage of Pierre Balmain with the modern vision of creative director Olivier Rousteing. Founded in 1945, Balmain introduced his “New French Style”, a distinctly profound conception of haute couture, uniquely designed to shatter well established conventions of the era.
This reinvented rebellion is an empowered force of followers, cemented by legendary muses and inclusive avant-garde fashion statements that have become synonymous with the brand's historic couture. Balmain Eyewear symbolises strong design codes and couture mastery with Akoni Group’s technical and detailed design aesthetic and production expertise.
The expansion into the eyewear scene reflects the latest advancements in optical technology, further embellished by design innovations tying historical roots and architectural design elements with versatile expert detailing.
The eight-decade tradition of blending the sharp, precise lines of French military tailoring with the finest Parisian couture has been a key influence in shaping the inclusive and modern spirit of Balmain Army, solidifying the tenacious qualities that are exemplar in strength and security.
Balmain demonstrated an ability to adapt his designs to meet the demands of different climates and lifestyles. This ability to blend the best of both worlds; global luxury and local sensibility has been central to Balmain’s enduring success as a fashion house. His collections seamlessly integrated practical elements suited for varied environments, from the cooler European winters to the warmer climates of Australia.
Yet, throughout these adaptations, Balmain never lost sight of his Parisian heritage, ensuring that his creations retained their timeless elegance and sophistication.
In Australia, Balmain took a more hands-on approach by working closely with local textile manufacturers to create region-specific collections. This expansion allowed him to tap into local craftsmanship and materials while maintaining the global identity of his brand. The collaboration with Australian manufacturers was a testament to his innovative vision, fusing local expertise with the refinement of French couture.
Rousteing elaborates “The Akoni team and I really wanted to push it farther than that — guaranteeing that those who know the house will be able to recognize key elements or themes from our latest seasons in these eyewear offerings. For example, the new Armour style incorporates the oversized golden chains that were such an important ingredient in my Fall shows, and which have since been adopted as a unique rebellion-meets-heritage house signature.”
Balmain reflects the importance of fit and how you can express your confidence and rebellious nature in any mood or occasion and the truth about face shapes: almost nobody is a perfect heart, circle, square or any other narrowly defined category.
Some simple guidelines to assist you when determining how to balance and complement your own features. Square round frames will help soften sharp angles and balance your cheekbones. Round rectangular frames add some sharper, more distinct lines to your face creating a balance. Triangular aviator cat-eye frames balance your features with designs that are wider at the top and narrower at the bottom channelling the 80’s rock and rebellious biker spirit reinterpretation of the Maison’s iconic and baroque black and gold combination.
With the incorporation of embellished temples recalling military gilded cords matte black & gold, titanium nose-bridge and sidepiece, titanium side cap with stippled pattern brigade, this ostentatioous example is just the tip of the iceberg.
Rooted in a strategic blend of international collaboration and localised adaptation, Balmain's brand history showcases his keen sense for leveraging both global prestige and local expertise. Early on, Balmain established strong relationships with renowned stores like Bergdorf Goodman in the United States, using their established reputation to elevate his brand's credibility in the American market. This partnership not only introduced Balmain to a new audience but also reinforced the brand's high-fashion status in the U.S. market.
Olivier Rousteing salutes the spirit of that transformational moment of modern music with the Triomphe, named for Paris’ most celebrated symbol of recognised dominance. And, just like the Arc de Triomphe, this strong and significant frame entails a square and forthright presence that is instantly felt by all.
Echoing design innovations that distinguish Balmain’s iconic Unicorn sneaker and Jolie Madame bag, the Triomphe takes the house’s signature style to new heights. Examples of unexpectedly engineered artistry, features a distinct connection between the metal brow bar and the front frame. With an artisanal combination of innovative silhouettes and luxury materials including the finest Japanese acetate and titanium, Triomphe is definitely one for the collection.
Composed of virtuous Japanese craftsmanship Balmain’s Soldier sets its lenses inside a duo frame that artfully melds a premium titanium inner-eye rim inside an outer rim crafted from the finest Japanese acetate. Luxury Balmain embellishments include hand-painted enamel motifs paired with attention grabbing, tactile repeating geometric titanium patterns. A timeless Balmain design, featuring qualities of tenacity, strength and security that sets Balmain apart.
The PIERRE collection combines Japan’s premium titanium and acetate to form bold, sleek temples that work to effortlessly connect to dynamic and floating lenses. Fueled by his exceptional blends of aesthetics with structure, the frame’s masterful fusion of Parisian haute couture influences with architectural sophistication mirrors Balmain’s visionary brilliance.
The PIERRE expertly melds a deftly balanced mix of Parisian couture and architectural flair, the house’s rich archive is a storied demonstration further corresponding the brands honourable connection with heritage.
Check your order confirmation email for the shipping carrier and tracking code or enter your details and we can try to point you in the right direction.
We are authorised retailers for all the brands we stock, which means every item we sell is 100% genuine.
Each product includes the latest official packaging, such as a branded case or pouch, and is covered by a full manufacturer's warranty against product defects.
You have 14 days from receipt to return any unwanted items - including prescription lenses - for a refund or exchange.
For full return instructions, please visit our returns page.