In a move that challenges the traditional boundaries of haute couture, Balenciaga (Instagram) unveils its 52nd Couture collection, bringing the pinnacle of craftsmanship and innovation to a wider audience than ever before.
Following a spectacular presentation at 10 avenue George V in Paris, a curated selection of pieces will be available for purchase not only at the physical Couture Store located at the same address, but also on the brand’s official website, balenciaga.com. This step marks a turning point in the history of the House, opening the doors to unparalleled accessibility.
The new web page dedicated to Balenciaga Couture offers a range of items that debuted on the runway, as well as captivating exclusives available solely through the store. This fusion of tradition and innovation redefines the retail landscape, expanding the world of couture beyond its traditional confines. The carefully curated selection encompasses jewelry, eyewear, shoes, garments, outerwear, and accessories, each piece an embodiment of Balenciaga’s artistry.
Balenciaga Couture Jewelry fuses the timeless elegance of haute joaillerie with the cutting-edge techniques of modern craftsmanship. The Danielle earrings, paying homage to Cristóbal Balenciaga’s muse, are a faithful recreation of an archival pair from 1967. Rivoli jewelry reimagines the classic tubular chain design, enhancing the understated loops with exaggerated volumes that delicately caress the ear. The result is a captivating interplay of sleekness and dimensionality, capturing the essence of modern luxury.
Balenciaga also introduced sunglasses as part of its Couture collection. Classic styles are reimagined with the brand’s signature touch, employing precious materials to elevate each design. The Regata frames exude opulence, crafted from solid 18k gold using a meticulous die-casting process. The HRH (his/her royal highness) line presents a sporty yet regal wraparound style, available in galvanic 18k gold- or palladium-plated milled aluminum. These exceptional frames feature mirror-coated bio-nylon lenses, treated with real gold or platinum, offering a seamless fusion of fashion and functionality. Not to be missed is the Blackout line, boasting frames with extra dark-tinted mineral glass lenses encased in acetate derived from wood pulp cellulose and repurposed plastic. The temples are elegantly finished with 18k gold plating, exuding an air of modern luxury.
Turtlenecks in matte stretch velvet made of silk yarns or a knit developed exclusively for the House, a raw-edged tuxedo, a leather bomber with a voluminous collar, and highwaisted seamless boxer shorts echo ready-to-wear ideas, imagining minimal designs in fine and unexpected fabrics, with complex and precise details.
Footwear embraces both classic and avant-garde silhouettes. Opera derbies and pumps redefine traditional men’s and women’s shoe styles, infused with internal prosthetics for an avant-garde twist. Crafted in patinated leather or sumptuous velvet through time-honored artisanal techniques, these shoes exemplify the brand’s commitment to both form and function.
Each garment in the collection embodies Balenciaga’s approach to design, drawing inspiration from iconic pieces created by Cristóbal Balenciaga himself. Trompe l’oeil techniques are masterfully employed to simulate textures such as denim, pinstriped wool, and leather through jacquard, embroidery, and hand-painted panels.
The result is a mesmerizing illusion of depth, created by meticulous threadwork and oil brushstrokes. Other pieces pay direct homage to the master designer, reinterpreting his revolutionary techniques with a modern twist. A cocoon-shaped parka, meticulously crafted from heat-sealed technical cotton, a sequin-embroidered dress consisting of corkscrew tulle ribbons in varying sizes and curls. A cashmere overcoat and scarf are made using an innovative knit that are heat-sculpted to affect a windblown look.
For more stories on local and international fashion, visit our dedicated pages.
