Evian and Balmain come together for the first time in a ground-breaking partnership, united in a shared vision to dream together and innovate for future generations
Joint ambition is encapsulated in evian’s upcoming Limited-Edition 750ml glass bottle, designed with Balmain, released in November 2022 in Thailand, incorporating the signature Baroque embellishments that add drama and richness to each of Creative Director Olivier Rousteing’s collections for the luxury fashion house.
The iconic water brand has created a unique fabric crafted from recycled evian plastic bottles which has been brought to life in a singularly modern couture creation by Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing, alongside the artisans of the legendary atelier at the historic Parisian fashion house.
The evian x Balmain couture gown was revealed at the Balmain Festival during Paris Fashion Week on 28th September 2022.
On 28th September during Paris Fashion Week, evian announced its latest designer collaboration with historic Paris fashion house Balmain. United by a shared vision to dream a future together in a world full of opportunities, the two legendary names with origins in the French Alps have joined on a large-scale partnership to explore new paths and redefine the codes of couture.
Following evian’s 15-year legacy of renowned luxury designer collaborations, evian will be releasing its latest annual limited-edition 750ml glass bottle with Balmain in November 2022 in Thailand. A symbol of the united ambition of both partners, the new limited-edition glass bottle features light blue lace touches and aqua-like droplets inspired by evian’s pure* natural mineral water, enhanced with the complex and ornate Baroque details and gold lettering synonymous with the house of Balmain.
As the Creative Director Olivier Rousteing explains, those forms channel historic adornments that surround and inspire him: “When I walk the avenues of Paris, I am constantly drawn to the examples of Baroque ornamentation set atop this city’s most impressive monuments and structures—and that distinctive beauty is often echoed in my work. Knowing that flamboyant Baroque flourishes are so often paired with priceless materials to frame and highlight some of France’s most splendid creations, I cannot think of a better pattern to highlight the precious contents of evian’s bottles: incomparably beautiful, crystal-clear natural mineral water.”
To celebrate its launch, Olivier Rousteing and an evian x Balmain army unite in an inspiring new campaign video, set against a stunning visual set inspired by evian’s famous Alpine heritage with structured silhouettes of mountains reflected in crystal-clear water. The video focuses on Rousteing’s dedication to embracing the past, while always fighting for a better future for all.
Continuing to push the boundaries with its exciting fashion partnerships, evian has also collaborated with Balmain to redefine the codes of design innovation with Olivier Rousteing overseeing the creation of a truly modern couture gown woven from a fine monofilament yarn crafted from recycled evian plastic bottle waste. Highlighting the deep commitment that Balmain and evian share for a more sustainable future, the collaboration centers on a truly modern couture creation, crafted from a singular fabric woven from threads created from recycled evian bottles (evian rPET flakes). Since 46% of the fabric relies directly upon recycled plastics, it easily meets the exacting standards of the GRS4.0. (The GRS4.0—The Global Recycled Standard Certificate—is one of the most difficult sustainable standards to meet in the fashion industry. It requires that at least 20% of the product be created from recycled materials). And since the couture gown’s fabric is a mono-material tissue, it would also be very easy to recycle, or turned back into evian bottles in the future.
For his design, Rousteing played with the unique sculptural possibilities of this innovative evian fabric to place the focus squarely on water’s purity and power, riffing on the hypnotic and magnetic pathway of a whirlpool. Expert pleating multiplies the fabric’s ever-changing, aquatic-like brilliant shimmer and sparkle, while volumes mimic the maelstrom’s seductive swirls, encircling the central vortex of the model who premiered this creation on the house’s runway during the upcoming Balmain Festival celebration, on the evening of September 28th at the Stade Jean Bouin during Paris Fashion Week.
Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing notes: “As we all know, the fashion industry needs to honestly face past shortcomings and finally admit that we can no longer postpone long-delayed changes. That’s why I’ve pushed for inclusive runways that reflect the real beauty of our world and sustainable materials that respect the need to preserve that incredible beauty. And that’s why I am so happy to announce Balmain’s new partnership with evian, one of France’s most iconic brands. evian has helped make clear to all of us that an embrace of the values of integrity and beauty can help form the basis of refreshingly honest communications, as well as carbon-neutral, sustainable products.”
Dawid Borowiec, Global Director at evian, said: “At evian, we are constantly looking to identify forward-thinking partners who share our values and with whom we can pioneer together to go beyond and discover thought-provoking solutions. Building on our strong existing presence in global fashion partnerships, it has been an incredible experience working with Balmain and Olivier Rousteing, celebrating legacy, optimism, and a shared determination to push forward sustainable innovation in the industry. Our evian x Balmain gown is a shining example of something striking and unique that can be achieved at the intersection of innovation, design, and sustainability, which we hope will inspire many.”
The evian x Balmain limited-edition 750ml bottles of evian’s pure* natural mineral water will be launched in Thailand in November 2022, and can be found at leading supermarkets nationwide.