PARIS Fashion Week—Let’s face it, we are not even surprised. In yet another stroke of genius, French fashion powerhouse Balenciaga, through creative director Demna Gvasalia threw caution and fashion exhibition conventions to the wind with its Spring/Summer ’22 presentation at the Théâtre du Châtelet with a meta, faux red carpet show and a film premiere.
Consisting of two intriguing parts, Balenciaga enlisted the help of celebrities, fashion A-listers, and of course runway models and the fashion house’ staff in a photocall on a Hollywood-style red carpet wearing the new collection leading to a screening of the short film, The Simpsons | Balenciaga.
The Simpsons | Balenciaga is the latest in a progression of activations that push certain boundaries set up between fashion and other forms of entertainment, culture, and technology, shifting the brand away from an easily definable category.
Images by Balenciaga courtesy of SSI Group, Inc.
A cast consisting of Balenciaga’s friends, models and team members are part of an automatic performance wherein the premiere event becomes the show itself. Red-carpet arrivals were, of course, documented, setting up a series of role reversals like in The Simpsons | Balenciaga, where the audience becomes the protagonists and vice-versa.
The collection represents the complete Balenciaga palette: a wardrobe of streetwear, daywear, tailoring, elegant eveningwear and proto-couture pieces. Silhouettes vary from ultra-slim to disproportionately oversized.
Images by Balenciaga courtesy of SSI Group, Inc.
A commitment to responsible production continues, represented this season with upcycled denim, leather, fine textiles, and embroidery, as well as material innovation: plant-based leather is made from a mix of fibers derived from cactus and bio polymers. 95.2% of plain and printed fabrics in the collection are certified sustainable.
The collection includes several accessory debuts and updates. The Space Shoe is a highly innovative single mold alternative to the classic derby, made entirely of EVA material. Loafers made of soft calf become slipper-like, accentuating the notion of comfort in a classic men’s shoe.
Of note in the collection, as part of an ongoing collaboration with Crocs, Hard Crocs turn the soft clog into a metal-fortified platform with a cyber-goth aesthetic. The Defender is a new super-chunky sneaker with extreme tire tread. Trompe l’œil boots mimic a stiletto sandal worn over a sock. The Cagole Boot is a footwear version of the classic studded bag made in arena leather.
Images by Balenciaga courtesy of SSI Group, Inc.
The XX Bag reinterprets the Hourglass silhouette by filling its negative space and creating a new form. The Triplet Bag is an interpretation of a classic chain purse, made with three separate compartments. Looks are completed with new eyewear, accessory, and jewelry styles.
In the Philippines, Balenciaga is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc.,and is located at Greenbelt 5. Visit www.ssilife.com.ph or follow @ssilifeph on Instagram for more information.
With additional text by Leo Balante