Balenciaga Resort 2023 Combines Couture and Sportswear in a New York Stock Exchange Takeover

At the sound of the ringing of the bell, which usually signifies the opening of the day’s trading, models walked the floor of the New York Stock Exchange wearing latex face coverings, the brand’s latest collaboration with adidas Originals, as well as finely tailored suits.

Gvasalia has never shied away from intertwining his high fashion with social commentary at his shows, and this one was no different. Wall Street has, in recent weeks, taken some hit, so much so that media houses have headlined an impending recession.

“We have to trigger emotion,” he said behind a face mask of his own. “We live in a terrifying world, and I think fashion is a reflection of that… I think it was quite urgent, a quite urgent show.”

“The most important kind of challenge for any kind of creative is to make a product that is desirable, to create desire. That’s what fashion should do,” he added.

If creating desire was at the heart of the collection, Balenciaga’s latest offering has increased lust among its audience. The show was divided into three parts, showcasing the brand’s diverse offering. It began with the new “Garde-Robe”, what the designer calls “upscale classic garments”. The offering is made up of finely tailored suits and overcoats, in classic Demna oversized and drop shoulder cuts, with jacquard pussy blouses to accompany the suiting.

Part one of the collection featured eveningwear. Gvasalia had models walk down the New York Stock Exchange runway in sequined gowns and silk trench dresses.

Part three was where the show reached its penultimate offering. This is where the designer chose to showcase his collaboration with Adidas. This is where streetwear, or sportswear, reigned supreme, driving home the point of the dominance it holds in the world of fashion. The category offered tracksuits, scaled t-shirts, boxer’s robes, and track dresses, each printed with the famous adidas Originals 3-stripes and trefoil logo, and Balenciaga’s name spelt in the sportswear’s lower typeface.

The collection is available to purchase at Balenciaga.com

Images: Supplied