Cardi B, Offset, Michelle Yeoh And A Tribute To Pursuing Perfection At Balenciaga Couture Fall 2023

This marks Demna's first couture show since last year's scandal.

Cardi B Offset Balenciaga Couture Fall 2023 — Photo: Balenciaga

By Shermin Ng - published 6 Jul 2023

After two pared down collections in the wake of its ad campaign controversy last year, Balenciaga's Couture Fall 2023 collection marks Demna's return to couture. Held in the salons at 10 avenue George V, the arresting show was scored to a BFRND reworking of Maria Callas’ operas in a never-before-heard acapella format.

On the runway, architectural tailoring was evident in sharp shoulders, shaped waists, oversized checked and pinstriped wool suits. Then came trompe-l’oeil jackets, fur coats and jeans, followed by distressed and shaggy dresses paired with elbow-length gloves. Fortified scarves hand-sculpted to appear windblown, a bustier made of 10,000 crystals, the use of Swiss guipure lace, woven chainmail and sequin-sewn filigree all underpin the excellence in craftsmanship sought by the house.

The showstoppers? The opening look—which interprets an original Cristóbal Balenciaga design worn by Danielle Slavik, the couturier’s preferred model from 1964-1968—as well as the metallic finale dress of CAD-designed, 3D-printed armour, and galvanized resin polished in chrome, along with a coating of black flocking along the interior to resemble a jewellery box.

Celebrities including Cardi B, Offset, Michelle Yeoh viewed the collection from golden chairs in the front row, while others like Isabelle Huppert walked the runway.