BALENCIAGA’S 52ND HAUTE COUTURE SHOW

Balenciaga’s 52nd Couture collection unveiled an exquisite display of craftsmanship and creativity under the helm of Creative Director Demna. The house, known for its illustrious past, continues to redefine itself in the world of fashion, presenting both ready-to-wear collections and couture lines that capture the essence of Balenciaga’s legacy.

The opulent setting at 10 Avenue George V in Paris set the stage for a remarkable show, accompanied by a captivating opera soundtrack. The 52nd Couture collection showcased Demna’s mastery, blending classic elegance with his unique twist.

The opening look, a timeless black velvet dress adorned with a pearl necklace, set the tone for the collection. However, Demna swiftly introduced his subversive touch—a black gown coat with an exaggerated off-the-shoulder neckline, creating volume and structure. This design element evolved throughout the show, culminating in Minttu Vesala’s double-breasted blazer paired with a skin-skimming turtle neck, creating an illusion of a floating head.

Opulence met traditional craftsmanship as a white feathered dress juxtaposed a lipstick-red double-breasted overcoat dress, accentuating the waist and showcasing the House’s renowned silhouettes.

In menswear, Demna explored the manipulation of proportions, integrating feminine couture practices into tailored suiting. Gray Prince of Wales-checkered trompe-l’œil jacquard denim sets played with silhouettes, while distressed denim jeans harmonized with corset-trained waistlines and hourglass figures.

Demna’s boundary-pushing approach continued with a bold transition, as padded coats with faux fur collars gave way to simplistic black mock-neck long-sleeves and jeans. This unconventional move challenged the traditions of haute couture, defying expectations and embracing a wider range of garments and styles.

Details played a vital role, with scarves sculpted into position and frozen in time, and coats manipulated to stand still as if captured by the wind. Denim jackets received high-fashion treatment, tailored to perfection, while an oversized brown leather coat added drama to the collection.

As the show approached its conclusion, Demna blended tradition with innovation. A black satin gown coat, belted like a dressing gown and trimmed with lace, evoked the elegance of a Balenciaga Couture customer in their Parisian townhouse. Avant-garde dresses showcased windswept sculptures and ruched necklines, while other black dresses appeared wrinkled and distorted, as if caught in a gust of wind.

The grand finale featured a trio of designs that epitomized the essence of Balenciaga Couture. Crystal-embellished gowns dazzled on the runway, alongside a subversive bridal look crafted in 3D-printed chromed resin, reminiscent of Balenciaga’s medieval armor-inspired Fall 2021 collection. This final showcase perfectly encapsulated Balenciaga Couture’s mission to honor its heritage while pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Balenciaga’s 52nd Couture collection under Demna’s direction reaffirms the brand’s position as a legacy house that effortlessly blends tradition and reinvention, captivating fashion enthusiasts with its impeccable craftsmanship and daring designs.