When two industry experts join forces, the result is nothing short of spectacular! And going you a dose of this goodness is Chivas and French designer Balmain with the launch of two limited-edition whiskies. Yes, that’s right!
The Balmain x Chivas XV collection, as it is called, features Chivas’ 15-year-old blended Scotch whisky with cues from the Parisian fashion house in two special-edition bottle designs. The First Drop in the ensemble (consisting of only 200 individually numbered gold 1litre bottles) comes decorated with gold chains and metallic armor, while The Second Drop (consisting of 2,000 70cl bottles) is fashioned around Balmain’s distinctive silhouette with chains and belts and is equally luxe as the other.
The duo of decanters is developed in partnership with Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing, who notes that the oversized gold chains which are a staple to the fashion house are in fact meant to depict the “defiant spirit” and “bold and audacious attitude” of both the brands.
Commenting on it, Olivier Rousteing, Balmain Creative Director, explained: “Just like Balmain, Chivas has always adhered to the highest standards with neither house being afraid to push boundaries and break with outdated conventions. Those already familiar with the Balmain universe will note that this unique collaboration includes a signature motif of the house – the oversized golden chain.”
He further added, “Whenever I’ve included that eye-catching adornment in my collections, it has served as a bold symbol of the defiant spirit of our rebellious and inclusive Balmain Army – a bold and audacious attitude that both Chivas and Balmain celebrate.”
Remarking further on the collection, Leanne Banks, Pernod Ricard UK Marketing Director, said, “We’re excited to launch the limited-edition Balmain x Chivas XV collection here in the UK as both brands are redefining what it means to be a luxury brand within their industries.”
“Just as Balmain has evolved its vision and has broken down fashion boundaries with a younger generation, Chivas is redefining what Scotch Whisky means to a new status-conscious generation of drinkers. The collaboration with Balmain marks the start of an exciting year for Chivas as it undergoes the biggest transformation in its history and comes as the brand is growing +22% in value,” he added.
To celebrate the launch, Chivas and Balmain will also unveil co-branded billboards in numerous cities alongside a fashion film featuring the Balmain Army as they make their way through a night of celebration. The Balmain x Chivas XV collection will hit the shelves on October 5, 2021, with the first drop retailing at $217 and the second at $104.