In his five years as creative director of the historic French house of Balmain, Christophe Decarnin has transformed the once neglected label into one of the most cutting-edge and sought-after. First his power-shouldered womenswear became the label to be seen in by the likes of Beyonce and Kate Moss, then the launch of Balmain Homme saw every fashion boy worth his salt slipping in to Decarnin’s skinny biker-style jeans. Having recently re-fitted and re-launched Balmain’s flagship store and atelier at 44 Rue François-Premier in Paris, Decarnin’s latest project sees Balmain teaming up with cult LA-based eyewear brand Oliver Peoples for a capsule range of sunglasses for both women and men.

The rock-inspired Balmain I has a subtle wrap-around shape, comes in all black or black and silver, and is available now. The Balmain II, on sale later in the year, is a modern interpretation of the classic aviator, comes in silver or gold, and is available in 2 sizes to ensure the best fit for your face. Both styles eschew the in-your face branding that many designer eyewear ranges rely on, opting instead for a sleek and minimal design combining modernity with retro influences, in-keeping with Decarnin’s designs for Balmain’s ready-to-wear collections. Focusing on clever collaborations rather than mass licensing will help Decarnin maintain the quality and exclusivity he has achieved at Balmain, but with a price point at approximately half that of Balmain’s sell-out denim you can be assured that these shades won’t stay on the shelves for long.

Oliver Peoples for Balmain sunglasses are available from balmain.com