Balenciaga Fall Winter 2024-25 Fashion Show

Demna Gvasalia's Fall 2024 collection for Balenciaga pondered a fundamental question: What distinguishes fashion from style? With his characteristic hardcore, do-it-yourself ethos, Gvasalia approached this inquiry with less angst and more wry humor, even playfulness.

The show opened with a beaded, animal-print gown worn by a model exuding nonchalance, complete with gum-snapping and an unbothered demeanor. Against a backdrop of video monitors broadcasting serene landscapes, Gvasalia set the stage for a collection that challenged conventional notions of fashion.

As marketing and merchandising departments gain more clout at Europe’s big houses, Gvasalia aimed to highlight the importance of multiple ideas in building a compelling show. He distributed a typed, full-page inventory of his inventions to each seat, showcasing a plethora of original and often witty designs.

From long dresses crafted from hoodies to trenchcoats worn as aprons, the collection demonstrated Gvasalia's knack for innovative design. He reserved big shoulder pads for the opening gowns, paying homage to founder Cristóbal Balenciaga's "hip-aulette" constructions.

Clever accessories, such as beanies with eye-covering capabilities and motocross gloves transformed into evening clutches, added to the whimsical atmosphere. Gvasalia emphasized that the collection served as a platform for his personal style, a culmination of almost a decade of aesthetic exploration.

A notable departure from extremely oversize silhouettes, the collection also featured a striking set design that transitioned from calm pastoral scenes to hectic urban life and TikTok grandstanding. Gvasalia aimed to juxtapose the overload of content with the inability to focus on things that truly matter.

In a brazen marketing message, a rib knit read “Keep Calm and Wear This Balenciaga Sweater,” offering a humorous nod to the brand's iconic status.