Balenciaga took over the New York Stock Exchange to present its Spring 23 collection.
Models presenting the latest designs by Demna were kept anonymous thanks to a selection of risqué latex bodysuits that concealed their identity.
The bold show featured a mix of ready-to-wear pieces, as well as the new Garde-Robe line, Eveningwear and a new collaboration between Balenciaga and adidas.
The show began with a selection of almost all-black looks featuring wardrobe staples in elevated looks. While all eyes were focused on the controversial latex bodysuits, many of the looks themselves had a strong sense of elegance. Pieces for men and w0omen were designed in luxe materials such as wool, silk, gabardine and artisanal denim.
Suiting separates and outerwear are pared down and refined with simple silhouettes using minimalist construction techniques.
Eveningwear follows the same patterns of the brand’s recent looks with bodycon gowns covering head-to-toe as well as reconstructed tuxedos, and floor-length silk trenches with trains.
In accessories, a classic pump is reimagined as the oversized, padded XL Pump. Steroid boots and derbies are thick in volume but lightweight, made from a single mould using super-exaggerated proportions. The Stage Shoe suspends a heel-less sock pump on a flat platform connected only to its toe, creating an optical illusion using negative space and balance.
The Money Bag line consists of top handle bags that open from underneath and lock with a twist clasp.
The second part of the showed debuted a collaboration between Balenciaga and adidas. This new partnership gives new life to retro-inspired sportswear designed as it recontextualizes adidas’ designs with elements that have been present in Balenciaga’s collections over the years.
The line of ready-to-wear, shoes, bags, jewellery and accessories are marked with a badge of sport or trefoil logo over the name Balenciaga in the lowercase adidas typeface. An exclusive release of selected signature pieces are available to purchase only on balenciaga.com and at the Madison Avenue, New York Balenciaga for a limited time.
