The 50th anniversary couture collection of the iconic brand combines the historical heritage of the legendary Cristobal Balenciaga and the modern innovations of Demna Gvasalia.

Just recently, within the framework of the Haute Couture Week in Paris, a show of the couture collection was held fall-winter 2021-2022 from the iconic fashion house Balenciaga. This show has become perhaps the most anticipated and most talked about fashion event this year. The audience looked forward to the presentation of the collection not only because of the interest in the special original vision of the creative director of the brand Demna Gvasalia, which he regularly demonstrates, but, above all, because this is the first couture collection of Balenciaga in the last 53 years.

Back in 1968, the legendary couturier Cristobal Balenciaga decided to close his fashion house. Since then, we have not seen any more couture from the famous brand, until the talented Demna Gvasalia decided to take on its return.



The designer has repeatedly surprised us with his non-standard fashion solutions. Each of his new collection is awaited with special trepidation, and even more so couture. While Demna is renowned for his original approach to work, he does not forget about the heritage of the fashion house Balenciaga.

For the venue of his first couture show for the brand, the designer chose a historic salon located on 10 George V Avenue, where he once worked. Cristobal Balenciaga... In addition, Gvasalia decided to ditch the musical score for the show, thereby encouraging guests to focus on clothing. Cristobal himself once did this.

Models paraded on the catwalk in complete silence. All that was heard was the melody created by the fabrics. Admittedly, this added a special entourage to the show.



“It was a minute of silence in memory of the legacy of Cristobal Balenciaga, but at the same time it was a minute of silence to be able to be silent for at least a minute. The pandemic made me take that moment of silence - or months of silence - and really figure out what I like about this role. And I realized that this is not fashion - in fact, I like clothes ", - said Gvasalia.

Give credit to the designer. In this collection, he managed to organically combine the creative heritage of Cristobal Balenciaga, the history of the cult fashion house and modern realities. It turned out organically and quite in the spirit of Demna.

Gvasalia has repeatedly admitted that he was often misunderstood in the world of haute couture, and was considered a designer of one facet - streetwear. He also managed to prove that he can not only successfully create couture, but also, unexpectedly, brought “ordinary” life to couture.

“People put me on the list with those who design sweatshirts and sneakers, but I'm not really like that. I really wanted to show who I am as a designer given the legacy I am fortunate enough to have here. It was not easy to find a balance between the fusion of architectural heritage, history and what I stand for ”, - shared Gvasalia.



The main hit at the show, perhaps, was the so-called things from everyday wardrobe. But rethought. Tracksuits, laconic sweaters, trench coats and even a haute couture T-shirt appeared on the catwalk. By the way, Demna said about the T-shirt that it took the most time and effort to create it.



The collection captivates with its laconicism and, oddly enough, practicality. Clothing from Balenciaga, this time centered around a variety of silhouettes.

Gvasalia has not forgotten about the volume, which once became the hallmark of Cristobal Balenciaga. Bulky jackets, coats and capes appeared in the collection, but the main hit of the whole show was a large futuristic hat.



Particular attention was also paid to the details, which, as you know, set the whole tone for the images.Items from the new collection were decorated with flowers, feathers, faux fur and silk embroidery.



Although at first glance the couture from Balenciaga turned out to be rather laconic, Demna Gvasalia, perhaps, could not leave the audience without something non-standard. Clothes that would never have been attributed to high fashion appeared on the runway, namely jeans, tracksuits in the spirit of the 90s and terry dressing gowns.



Not without, of course, evening dresses. The audience was delighted with black layered models, a mermaid dress, a hybrid of a dress and a pantsuit, and decor in the form of flowers and embroidery. Traditionally closed the show image of the bride, but even he turned out not the same as everyone used to see him. Demna Gvasalia presented a white dress made of silk satin and ghazar, completely covered with a massive veil.