BALENCIAGA FALL 2023 RTW (FWC TBFashion)

Stripping back to the fundamentals of design has become a recurring theme in the latest round of fashion shows, and Balenciaga’s fall 2023 presentation exemplified this concept. Demna, formerly known as Demna Gvasalia, made his return to Paris with a collection that aimed to showcase his personal vision as a designer in a minimalist setting.

Gone were the elaborate set designs that had previously overshadowed Balenciaga’s garments. Instead, Demna opted for a white canvas-draped auditorium, shifting the focus back to the clothes themselves. The collection opened with a sequence of 17 black oversized tailoring looks, a nod to Balenciaga’s core aesthetic. However, there was a twist—each piece was constructed from reverse-tailored trousers. Coats and jackets featured pant-loops and pockets in unexpected places, while doubled pairs of trousers created a surreal illusion of models walking on four legs when viewed from the side.

The use of black, a Balenciaga signature, added to the overall mood and resonated with the prevailing fashion trends. Demna’s deliberate departure from extravagant concepts and emphasis on craftsmanship and sartorial artistry marked a new chapter for the renowned fashion house.

The collection showcased his unique perspective as a designer, incorporating unexpected details and challenging traditional garment construction.

By returning to the essence of design and placing the focus squarely on the clothes, Demna reaffirmed his dedication to his craft. The stripped-back aesthetic of the show allowed the audience to appreciate the intricate details and innovative silhouettes that define Balenciaga’s distinctive style.

With this collection, Demna’s vision for the brand came to life, offering a fresh perspective on modern fashion and solidifying Balenciaga’s position as a trailblazer in the industry.