A Balmain accessory for $595? You heard right.

You might not be able to afford Balmain's signature military jackets that can cost about $11,000, but now you can wear a spring accessory from the Paris fashion house for a fraction of that price: $595.

Christophe Decarnin, who led a revival of the 65-year-old name by foisting a broad-shouldered silhouette that had Beyonce and Rihanna rocking his epaulets last spring, collaborated with local eyewear company Oliver Peoples for two limited-edition unisex sunglasses. The first style, the Balmain I, is out in April and available at Oliver Peoples' boutiques.* The Balmain II is slated to drop in June.

“I was thrilled at the opportunity to work with such a talented designer," says Oliver Peoples founder Larry Leight. "Christophe’s visionary designs and his progressive, bold styling has revamped the concept of rock 'n' roll chic. I swear that guy could send a mullet down the runway and make it look sexy as hell.”

The Balmain I features a metal top-bar wrap in a 1980s retro-wrap style that resembles specs worn by "Rio"-era Duran Duran. The Balmain II is an interpretation of a double-bridge aviator in gold or silver. 

-- Max Padilla

* An earlier version of the post said the Balmain I glasses would be available in late March. A company rep said the sunglasses would be available in Oliver Peoples stores in April.

Photo: The Balmain I. Credit: Oliver Peoples

Comments

[Gene Balmain]

Cheap at twice the price!