Balenciaga’s Spring 2023 show kicked off Sunday morning, coinciding with the New York Stock Exchange’s opening bell. Art imitated life in a way that only Demna Gvaslia could pull off. As talks of a looming recession continue to linger, Demna’s models reflected that somber, corporate mood, with their faces hidden underneath the full latex bodysuits that covered them from head to toe, with show looks worn over them. The looks felt dark, but they were supposed to. Forever a master of the art of the fashion show (and ones that possess cultural awareness), this season’s presentation was no different.
Demna told Vogue, “We have to trigger emotion. We live in a terrifying world, and I think fashion is a reflection of that.”
Balenciaga x adidas
Ready-to-wear felt very Demna, with a wee bit of variety. Oversized blazers and jackets paved the way for a bit of femininity in the form of silk pussy-bowed dresses and tops. By far, the most exciting pieces from the collection were from the latest buzzy fashion collaboration. On the heels of its Gucci partnership, adidas collabs with Balenciaga next, conceptualizing the heritage codes of adidas from the Balenciaga perspective. The partnership works well; after all, sportswear elements have always been a big part of Demna Gvalsia’s Balenciaga. RTW included t-shirts, really cool robe-like outerwear, tracksuits, and more.
As for the bags, there weren’t all that many, but the standout pieces were most definitely those from the partnership. The instantly identifiable adidas trio-stripe motif appeared on the fan-favorite Hourglass Bag, but other beloved silhouettes were absent from the runway. Structured top-handle bags resembling a traditional briefcase bag were toted by models in smooth leather and the House’s distinct embossed croc.
View bags from the runway below via Vogue Runway. Additonally, discover more from the Balenciaga x adidas collaboration now via Balenciaga. Select items are available to purchase and pre-order through May 29th.
Look 1 and 2
