Nike Dunk x Balmain unicorn

Nike Dunk x Balmain unicornOver the past 50 years, some of the worlds most influential luxury brands have released casual footwear to supplement their oft uncomfortable, formal propositions. As high fashion and sportswear continue to mesh together, labels have abandoned safe and classic designs for experimental ones that almost invite head scratching and eyebrow raising. Case in point?: The Balmain Unicorn. At quick glance, the newly launched silhouette resembles the type of 3D

Over the past 50 years, some of the world’s most influential luxury brands have released casual footwear to supplement their oft-uncomfortable, formal propositions. As high fashion and sportswear continue to mesh together, labels have abandoned “safe” and classic designs for experimental ones that almost invite head-scratching and eyebrow-raising. Case in point?: The Balmain Unicorn.

At quick glance, the newly-launched silhouette resembles the type of 3D mock-ups that flood some designers’ Instagram feeds given their exaggerated shape and detailing, as well as presumed poor functionality. Yet, the series of sharp design lines, unconventional lacing system layout and fragmented sole unit draw inspiration from both cigarette speedboats and the French house’s archives. Eight different molds work in-tandem to make up the Unicorn, while shock-absorbing cushioning underfoot delivers a multi-sectional solution that propels the footwear industry forward. Balmain’s lion head motif appears at the vamp, allowing for the brand’s name to stamp the tongue and “midsole”‘s lateral profiles. Together, each component on Olivier Rousteing’s Spring/Summer 2022 offering create a one-of-a-kind look truly deserving of the “Unicorn” association.