Creative Director Demna Gvasalia displayed a compelling collection of dramatic frames in shades of red and black.
With flickering lights and dramatic music, there was something unnerving about the opening of Balenciaga’s Paris Fashion Week runway show. And that sense of being of mystery and concealment – or being left in the dark, if you will – was reiterated in the Autumn/Winter 2019 collection.
As the models – who were to Balenciaga’s credit a diverse selection – took to the catwalk, they donned silky black suits that hanged off their frames, roll necks that disguised their bodies, and billowing capes the added to the sense of mystery.
The first two models emerged wearing all black with piercing red eye contacts lenses, playing into the unnerving atmosphere. Later in the show, disguises came in the form of exaggeratedly oversized quilted coats and wet look jackets that only exposed the models’ eyes.
While reds and blacks were the dominant shades, to begin with, other hues were introduced in the form of a striking aqua blazer dress and a green shirt with the forearm fabric dangling behind rather than on this part of model’s body.
Elsewhere, Balenciaga turned the trend of smart wear with casual shoes on its head, dressing male models in motif tees and sports trouser with high-shine loafers shoes.
Accessories came in the form of chunky chains branding the letter ‘B’ with single earrings to match. Handbags mimicked shopping bands, from crossbody bags reading ‘Balenciaga’ to tote-style bags printed with a sad face.
While extending out the shoulders has been a key look across the fashion weeks so far, this Spanish fashion house presented a new take by protruding the shoulders upwards from the back, creating an almost shielding effect.
Likewise, Balenciaga’s individual take on the widespread check trend was to mix the timeless print with denim fabrics.
READ: Hermès At Paris Fashion Week 2019: Inside the Autumn/Winter Ready-To-Wear Collection
READ: Elie Saab at Paris Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 19
READ: Balmain At Paris Fashion Week 2019: Inside The Ready-To-Wear AW19 Collection