Prince Gyasi X Balmain’s BOUQUET GOLD BELT Shines at the Met Museum in FW 24/25 Collection Showcase

Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah
By
Prince Gyasi X Balmain’s BOUQUET GOLD BELT Shines at the Met Museum in FW 24/25 Collection Showcase
BOUQUET GOLD BELT
Written By : Ekow Adjei Mensah

The BOUQUET GOLD BELT a standout piece from the Prince Gyasi X Balmain Fall/Winter 2024/25 Collection, is currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, captivating visitors with its fusion of high fashion and contemporary art. Unveiled during Paris Fashion Week in January 2024, the belt—featuring two hands clasping a golden bouquet of flowers, embodies the collaborative vision of Ghanaian visual artist Prince Gyasi and Balmain’s creative director Olivier Rousteing. 

Gyasi, known for his hyperchromatic compositions, infused his cultural perspective into the collection, with the belt first gaining attention when Naomi Campbell wore it to close Balmain’s menswear show. Posts highlight the piece’s journey to the Met, where it symbolizes the growing influence of African creatives in luxury fashion, following Gyasi’s appearance at the 2025 Met Gala through a shirt featuring his artwork.

This exhibition marks a significant moment for Gyasi, the grandson of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, whose work challenges stereotypical narratives about Africa by emphasizing strength and dignity, as seen in his earlier Balmain campaigns inspired by Le Petit Prince in 2022. The BOUQUET GOLD BELT itself, with its surrealist design, reflects Balmain’s maximalist aesthetic under Rousteing, who has long championed diversity and individuality in fashion. 

The belt’s intricate craftsmanship, blending traditional Parisian couture techniques with modern artistry, aligns with Balmain’s FW 24/25 menswear collection, which also featured Gyasi’s images printed on garments, creating wearable art. The Met’s decision to showcase this piece underscores the museum’s commitment to highlighting global cultural narratives, especially as African photographers like Gyasi reshape luxury fashion.

The display raises questions about the commercialization of cultural symbols in luxury fashion. While Gyasi’s involvement brings authenticity, some critics argue that such collaborations can risk commodifying African art for Western audiences, potentially diluting its deeper significance. The BOUQUET GOLD BELT, though a stunning piece, exists within a broader tension between artistic expression and the fashion industry’s profit-driven motives, a debate that has followed Balmain’s partnerships with African artists. 

As the Met Museum continues to host this exhibit, it prompts reflection on whether such showcases truly honor the cultural roots they draw from or merely serve as a stage for luxury brands to signal inclusivity, leaving Gyasi’s legacy as a trailblazer in a complex spotlight.

Comments

MORE FROM
entertainment

More From 3Music News

Fantana Opens Up About Reality TV Fame from Young, Famous, and African
music | BY Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah | June 18th, 2025

Fantana Opens Up About Reality TV Fame from Young, Famous, and African

Ghanaian musician Fantana, in a candid virtual interview on 3Music TV’s Culture Daily Morning Show with host Lerny Lomotey, shared how her appearance on Netflix’s Young, Famous, and African catapulted her into global recognition.

Fantana Reflects on Lessons Learned from Diamond Platnumz
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | BY Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah | June 18th, 2025

Fantana Reflects on Lessons Learned from Diamond Platnumz

Ghanaian musician Fantana, during a revealing interview on 3Music TV’s Big Conversation with Lerny Lomotey, offered a glimpse into her dynamic with Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz, her co-star on Netflix’s Young, Famous, and African.

Fantana Balances Music and Business Ventures in Ghana with Strategic Focus
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | BY Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah | June 18th, 2025

Fantana Balances Music and Business Ventures in Ghana with Strategic Focus

Ghanaian musician and reality TV star Fantana, recently back in Ghana after two months in America, is skillfully managing her music career alongside her entrepreneurial pursuits. During a virtual interview on 3Music TV’s Big Conversation with Lerny Lomotey, she shared plans to return to music after a two-year hiatus.

Camouflart Hosts Live Wednesday At The Woods To Showcase Emerging Talent
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | June 18th, 2025

Camouflart Hosts Live Wednesday At The Woods To Showcase Emerging Talent

Live Wednesday at The Woods, a vibrant live music experience curated by Camouflart and powered by The Woods Bar and Lounge in Osu, comes alive tonight, June 18th, 2025

Amaarae Confirmed For Afro Nation Portugal 2025 Lineup
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | June 18th, 2025

Amaarae Confirmed For Afro Nation Portugal 2025 Lineup

Accra-born, Bronx-raised alté singer Amaarae is set to grace the shores of Praia da Rocha this July, following her recent inclusion in the Afro Nation Portugal 2025 lineup (July 9–11)

AD DJ Makes History as First Ghanaian Resident DJ for Basketball Africa League
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | sports | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | June 18th, 2025

AD DJ Makes History as First Ghanaian Resident DJ for Basketball Africa League

AD DJ is doing more than spinning records, he’s spinning history. In a groundbreaking moment for Ghanaian music and African sports culture, AD DJ has become the first Ghanaian to serve as the official resident DJ for the Basketball Africa League

R. Kelly Hospitalized After Alleged Overdose in Prison; Lawyers Allege Plot to Kill Him
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | June 18th, 2025

R. Kelly Hospitalized After Alleged Overdose in Prison; Lawyers Allege Plot to Kill Him

R&B singer R. Kelly was rushed to Duke University Hospital on June 13th after collapsing in his cell at the Federal Correctional Institution in Butner, North Carolina, following what his legal team describes as a “near-lethal” overdose of medication administered by prison staff while he was in solitary confinement

Ghanaian Culinary Star Chef Abbys Shines at 2025 Cannes Lions Festival
entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | June 18th, 2025

Ghanaian Culinary Star Chef Abbys Shines at 2025 Cannes Lions Festival

Ghana’s culinary scene just scored a major international win, as leading food content creator Chef Abbys was flown to France by TikTok to attend the prestigious 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity

Tyler Perry Sued for $260 Million by Actor Derek Dixon Over Sexual Harassment Allegations
entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | June 18th, 2025

Tyler Perry Sued for $260 Million by Actor Derek Dixon Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

Famed filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million lawsuit filed by The Oval actor Derek Dixon, who accuses Perry of workplace sexual harassment, assault, emotional distress, and career retaliation

SZA Reflects on Fame, Confidence, and Finding Authenticity in Interview with Chappell Roan
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | June 18th, 2025

SZA Reflects on Fame, Confidence, and Finding Authenticity in Interview with Chappell Roan

In a candid new conversation with rising pop star Chappell Roan for Interview Magazine, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter SZA opened up about the complexities of fame, confidence, and staying true to herself in an industry that often rewards inauthenticity

Davido’s WITH YOU Music Video Surpasses 2.6 Million Views in Just Two Days
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | June 18th, 2025

Davido’s WITH YOU Music Video Surpasses 2.6 Million Views in Just Two Days

Afrobeats superstar Davido continues to prove his dominance on the global music scene as the official music video for his latest single WITH YOU racks up over 2.6million views in just two days

Davido Announces 5IVE ALIVE TOUR with Victony, Odumodublvck, and Morravey
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | June 18th, 2025

Davido Announces 5IVE ALIVE TOUR with Victony, Odumodublvck, and Morravey

Afrobeats superstar Davido is officially hitting the road this summer with his newly announced 5IVE ALIVE TOUR, set to deliver an electrifying series of performances across the globe

More Similar Videos

No similar videos to show related to this post. Explore other sections.