The minute I walked into the Balenciaga runway show space, I knew it was going to be a clean slate from its predecessors. There was a buzz and frisson of energy abounding—the show space, a sound stage completed cosseted to be sound proof, was the perfect empty palette cleanser for a show that was clearly, for me, the stand out of Paris Fashion Week.
Demna Gvasalia brought his Margiela-honed sensibilities and added a Hitchcock spirit for the first few looks—with moulded panels to give it a modern twist.
Then came the street looks with a sparkling diamanté encrusted vest, worn with an off shoulder puffer jacket and skinny pants with spike heels, and the beautiful cocooned shapes so reminiscent of Balenciaga’s storied past, but with a new relaxed sporty attitude—the house logo tastefully embroidered on the back by the neck.
Out strutted the knits, layered and long, worn with thigh high boots that set the mood for some festival dressing with beautiful panelled floral dresses that was just lyrical and beautiful.
The evening looks were unexpectedly modern and chic—an homage to the maison with sparkles and a sharp tailored hand. Expect to see Balenciaga’s creations on the red carpet once more!
Demna’s forte for his first season was his ability to morph and move according to what today’s customer wants: something for 8-till-late dressing, from Paris to Singapore. It’s a modern, chic woman’s wardrobe who clearly loves the edge of cool cuts and perfect moulded shapes.
It signals the start of a brilliant new future, while still respecting the shapely codes on which the maison was founded. One word: Bravo!
