Logo of the future Starck with Ballantyne line

On the one hand a truly British fashion house, almost one hundred years old and a cashmere specialist. On the other, one of the most celebrated designers of his time, an artist without limits, with avant-garde designs. The two have been united for a collection of “intelligent cashmere” which will not go unnoticed in the rather classic world of cashmere.

In total, sixty pieces are expected, split equally between menswear and womenswear. The articles, tagged “Starck with Ballantyne” will make their debut in boutiques from October; both in the principal stores of the brand as wells as in certain multibrand shops at the discretion of Ballantyne, which will be seeing buyers from the 15th of May onwards.

An advance preview of the collection will also be presented at the Pitti Immagine tradeshow in Florence in June, with the designer expected to be in attendance at the event as a guest of honour.

Announced as being both graphic and functional, this collection is the culmination of two years’ work. A long study partly explained by the research carried out by the R&D section of the company to “combine [cashmere] with different innovative matrerials”. Cashmere seems to have emerged from its cocoon and is getting ready for anything, particularly new cuts and colours, which are expected from a company with Ballantyne’s experience. The collection will be composed of clothes for inside and outside that are “functional, ergonomic and contemporary”.

And indeed, with such a status, the collection should not pass by unnoticed. An incontrovertible talent for years, we know of the current items and interior designs from Philippe Starck, but this partnership is his first foray into the world of ready-to-wear clothing. For this new stage he has adopted the same artistic process, the collaboration with Ballantyne drawing on their “ancestral know-how, their solid expertise in cashmere”.

Regarding the collection, it is “nothing less than what we need at the moment, in all ways, using specific techniques for cashmere to explore a new territory in timeless elegance”. This should give Ballantyne cause to rejoice as it puts the finishing touches on its new style, a blend of classicism and cool attitude.

Not content with modernising its ready-to-wear lines, Ballantyne is going one step further with its boutiques. Philippe Starck has designed display stands and other items of furniture dedicated to the reception of his collection in Ballantyne boutiques, a few items of which will also be found in a selection of multibrand stores which will distribute it.

By Jonathan Fulwell (Source: Emilie-Alice Fabrizi)