MAJOR BPS 147-C 142

As its title makes clear, the Balmain Major has achieved high rank. The geometric shield, with its straight browline and powerful-yet-featherweight Japanese titanium frame, displays a pair of special temple ornaments: eye-catching, tactile chains crafted in yellow and rose gold, as well as one special jet-black design. These embellishments were inspired by aiguilletes, a distinctive type of military gilded cords, which have adorned high-ranking French uniforms since the Renaissance. A symbol of great honor, awarded for only the most impressive of accomplishments, the dress-uniform cords have served to recognize great loyalty for centuries. Balmain Eyewear has adapted this singular emblem of fidelity as a mark of adherence to the inclusive and progressive values shared by all members of the Balmain Army. Major’s color choices look to Balmain’s heritage, with designs incorporating the greys of Pierre Balmain’s port-war couture collections, the dark browns dominating Olivier Rousteing’s recent Egyptian-inspired runways and, of course, the matte-black tones which have a special importance for the house, due to the color’s distinct connections to both couture elegance and biker rebelliousness."