Demna’s Ode to Fashion: Balenciaga SS 2024.
@Balenciaga SS 2024
Balenciaga’s Summer 2024 collection is nothing short of a tribute to craftsmanship, personal expression, and an eco-conscious fashion ethos.
Set against the backdrop of a red velvet-lined theatrical setting, Demna Gvasalia, the creative genius behind Balenciaga, takes us on a journey through his world. This collection is a reflection of Demna’s personal connections, with friends, family, and colleagues influencing every stitch and silhouette. It’s a reminder that fashion is not just about the clothes we wear, but the stories we tell through them.
Sonic Couture and Unique Soundtrack
But this collection goes beyond the visual. It’s a symphony for the senses. Scored by BFRND, the show features a unique soundtrack that incorporates elements of an orchestra, piano, and electronica. To add another layer of creativity, the iconic Isabelle Huppert lends her voice, reciting instructions on how to craft a tailored jacket from the La Veste Tailleur Homme manual, which has been thoughtfully reformatted for the show’s invitation booklet. It’s a reminder that fashion is not just about the final product but also the artistry and craftsmanship behind it.
Sustainability at the Heart of Fashion
Sustainability is at the core of Balenciaga’s SS 2024 collection. It marks the debut of LUNAFORM, an eco-friendly biomaterial designed in collaboration with Gozen. Derived from nanocellulose, this material is produced by microorganisms during fermentation, using natural ingredients and absolutely no synthetic chemicals. It’s animal-free and plastic-free, making it a milestone in the fashion industry’s journey towards sustainability.
@Balenciaga SS 2024
Innovative Designs and Craftsmanship
The collection’s tailoring is a masterpiece of signature techniques and attitudes. With a 2D effect that creates a flattened, straight shoulder without shoulder pads, and wide cuts with added creases, these garments are engineered with the precision of a couturier.
Daywear spans the gamut from the comfort of home to stylish public settings. Long A-line skirts feature removable panels that can be interchanged to create a shorter silhouette. Terry cloth bathrobes are ingeniously transformed into coats. Jacket necklines are widened and dismantled to allow for a nonchalant off-the-shoulder look.
Eveningwear takes a sustainable twist, with vinyl printed circle dresses giving way to upcycled gowns made from pieces sourced from vintage shops around Europe and the United States. The show’s grand finale sees BFRND, the designer’s husband, donning an amalgamation of seven upcycled wedding dresses from the pre-2000s, cut, tiered, and layered into a work of art.
Accessories and Footwear: Form Meets Function
Balenciaga’s commitment to innovation extends to its accessories. The Rodeo bag, with a built-in open flap that mimics a classic leather carrier, features decorative chains, adding a touch of edginess to any ensemble. Stilettos and classic derbies take on a new role as clutch bags, blending style and function seamlessly. Textured leather Antwerp shoppers and deconstructed luggage-inspired bags provide fashionistas with options that are both chic and practical. There’s even a wallet that mirrors a passport, complete with inset leather boarding passes.
Footwear offers exaggerated proportions and a playful blend of tennis socks with heels for a sporty, yet elegant look. Each shoe will be available in both women’s and men’s sizes, reflecting Balenciaga’s commitment to inclusivity.
Exclusive Release: The Cargo Sneaker
To top it all off, the collection introduces the new Cargo sneaker with oversized dimensions. An exclusive release of 1,000 limited edition pairs, featuring a combination of microfiber and mesh, will be available directly after the show.
@Balenciaga SS 2024
