Olivier Rousteing takes on whisky and breaks the codes
When haute couture infiltrates the mysteries of Scotch whisky. Olivier Rousteing, Artistic Director of Balmain, breaks new ground by signing an unprecedented collaboration with Johnnie Walker Vault.
A bold alliance between fashion and spirits
After Pharrell Williams for Moët & Chandon, it’sOlivier Rousteing ‘s turn to surprise with a foray into the world of spirits. As the first cultural partner of the Johnnie Walker Vault platform, the designer has come up with a collection called Couture Expression: a project imagined around the four seasons, as a tribute to the rhythms of the fashion calendar.
Four whiskies, four seasons, one vision
Co-created with master assembler Emma Walker, this collection is made up of four unique assemblages, conceived as couture pieces. Spring, summer, autumn, winter: each season evokes an emotion, a sensory landscape.
- Spring: fresh and floral, with rare whiskies such as Cragganmore 1985 and Caledonian 1977.
- Summer: tropical fruit explosion with Benrinnes 1988 and Clynelish 1990.
- Autumn: introspective, structured around the legendary Port Ellen 1978.
- Winter: enveloping, with notes of mulled wine and smoke, blending Brora and Port Ellen.
Originality? Whiskies that recur from one season to the next, but recomposed according to specific dosages and textures.
Haute couture design, collector’s bottle
As for design, Olivier Rousteing didn’t just dress up the flavors. He designed a Baccarat crystal decanter inspired by Alexander Walker‘s historic model. Each bottle features a metallic drape – gold, silver, rose gold or black – like a gala garment protecting the precious liquid. A “silk armor”, in his words.
Launch imminent
The Couture Expression collection will be officially presented on May 26, with an exclusive pre-launch at Harrods from May 5.
Also read: Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper: the kiss that changes everything
