At Paris Fashion Week, Balenciaga’s Artistic Director Demna transformed the runway into a stunning 47-meter-long wooden table, offering a nostalgic glimpse into his Spring-Summer 2025 collection. On September 30th, the fashion world gathered to witness a show that paid homage to where Demna's creative journey began: his grandmother's kitchen table.
The theatrics began before the show, with guests receiving a unique invitation: a custom-made golden ring engraved with their name and the show date. This romantic gesture, symbolizing Demna's 'marriage' to fashion, set the tone for an intimate experience that welcomed attendees into the designer's creative world.
As guests settled in, anticipation built for the unique designs that would soon grace the runway. As models strutted down the makeshift dining table runway, it became clear that Demna’s vision was focused. The collection, a testament to Demna's evolving vision and enduring love for fashion, playfully subverted luxury norms while maintaining Balenciaga's commitment to craftsmanship.
As the show unfolded, Demna's eclectic vision for Spring-Summer 2025 came to life. Opening looks included skin-tone bodysuits and pantashoes resembling garter stockings, paired with lacy bras and glittery leggings. A standout piece was a giant, fake fur coat, nodding to the recent underwear-as-outerwear trend. Denim made a big statement, from torn chap jeans to oversized jackets, while super low-rise bootcut jeans and striped polos channeled Y2K nostalgia. These were cleverly juxtaposed with new items for Spring-Summer 2025 like oversized basketball sneakers, a 360 mask, and the diminutive Nano bag, creating a rebellious twist on retro styles.
As the show progressed, Demna presented dramatic silhouettes and unexpected textures. A show-stopping ensemble featured a model in a houndstooth suit with exaggerated shoulders that reached approaching the ears, creating an almost triangular silhouette. The look, complete with slicked-back platinum blonde hair, was a bold reimagining of power dressing for the modern era.
True to his iconoclastic approach, Demna offered a selection of avant-garde accessories and head-turning outerwear. One particularly striking look featured a model whose face was obscured by a black leather collar and wrap around sunglasses, with only blonde bangs visible - a nod to the designer's penchant for mystery and drama. This piece, likely to be a talking point of the collection, showcased Balenciaga's ability to push boundaries and challenge conventional notions of beauty and fashion.
The collection wasn't without its softer moments. A flowing white dress with voluminous sleeves and a ruffled collar provided a counterpoint to the more structured pieces. Paired with dark sunglasses and a statement pendant necklace, this look demonstrated Demna's ability to balance the romantic with the edgy.
Throughout the show, Demna's creative vision engaged in a captivating dialogue between the mundane and the extraordinary. Oversized silhouettes, innovative accessories, and bold styling choices were juxtaposed with elements of everyday wear, creating a unique aesthetic that could only be described as Demna's own.
"Thirty-five years later, this show reconnects me to the beginning of my vision. It's a tribute to fashion that has a point of view," Demna wrote in his show notes, emphasizing the personal nature of this collection.
The star-studded front row, featuring Balenciaga ambassadors Nicole Kidman and PP Krit Amnuaydechkorn, along with celebrities like Katy Perry and Lindsay Lohan, watched in awe as each look pushed the boundaries further than the last.
The final parade of looks paid homage to Cristóbal Balenciaga's era. Skin tight tops with matching bottoms walk with statements jewelry and signature eyewear. A sleek black satin gown showcased Balenciaga's innovative tailoring, creating an unsettling and dramatic closing look.
As the final model left the runway, Demna again presented a collection that was visually stunning and intellectually provocative. This powerful homage to his roots invites reflection on the evolution of fashion and its ability to connect personal history with contemporary creativity. By transforming the intimacy of his grandmother’s kitchen into a grand stage at Paris Fashion Week, Demna reminds us of fashion's profound power to provoke thought, inspire change, and create lasting connections.
