Published on November 9, 2023
Balmain eyewear: Visionary creative power that people crave
The world of haute couture has long been synonymous with the lavish and the exquisite, and few brands epitomize this better than Balmain eyewear. Balmain makes designer glasses and sunglasses for women and men. They are renowned for their quality materials, intricate craftsmanship and audacious designs.
Intrigued by Balmain eyewear and interested in learning more about the fashion house? Here is a quick overview of how Balmain eyewear came to be.
The roots of Balmain eyewear
Balmain, as a luxury brand, was founded in 1945 by Pierre Balmain. Balmain was originally born in 1914 in St. Jean de Maurienne, a tiny alpine village in France. From a very young age, he was surrounded by all things fashion. His mother worked in a dress shop owned by his father, who had inherited a lucrative drapery business.
From a very young age, Balmain had his heart set on a career in fashion. After studying architecture, a short stint in the military during the Second World War, a potential partnership with Christian Dior that had soured, Balmain opened his fashion house. He presented his first fashion show in October 1945. Thanks to the luxurious clothing that graced his runaway, which was a striking differentiation from the plain apparel women wore after the war, he became an instant hit.
He soon began dressing celebrities, including Brigitte Bardot, Katharine Hepburn, Sophia Loren, and the Queen of England. Even though he was a master couturier, Balmain stood out from other designers for focusing on understanding what women wanted and knowing what pieces would sell. Pierre Balmain's vision was not only to dress women but to enhance their silhouette and grace.
This philosophy seamlessly transitioned into Balmain's foray into eyewear.
2020: Balmain makes a statement in eyewear
While Balmain had been making glasses for several years, it was in 2020 when Balmain eyewear really took off.
The company premiered an initial collection of premium Balmain sunglasses in January 2020 at its men’s show. Balmain’s sunglasses were created by a new licensee at the time, AKONI, a Swiss startup named after the Latin words for “priceless” and “worthy of admiration.” By September 2020, the brand launched a broader offering to include Balmain glasses for women and Balmain glasses for men.
According to AKONI’s CEO, Rosario Toscano, his eyewear ethos is much aligned with Balmain’s rich heritage. Toscano believes that by focusing on designing products of the highest quality, a company can not only succeed in the marketplace, but also stand out.
That aesthetic philosophy certainly permeates every pair of Balmain frames. Japanese artisans are the masterminds behind Balmain eyewear, which spans from modern cat-eyes to aviators to everything in between.
Because of their intricate details and edgy styles, Balmain glasses and sunglasses are a huge hit among celebrities. A-Listers like Beyoncé, Gwyneth Paltrow, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Rihanna.
To wear a pair of Balmain glasses is to carry a piece of Parisian history that dates back over 75 years. And yet, Balmain eyewear is unequivocally contemporary. Whether through sunglasses that shield and shine or optical frames that enhance day-to-day looks, Balmain eyewear is not just seen—it is experienced. Shop your next pair of Balmain glasses for men or women today.
