Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Show

On the bright and sunny morning of the first day of October, Balenciaga orchestrated a remarkable show that resembled a theater for its Summer 2024 runway presentation.

In the days leading up to the event, Balenciaga followed its customary routine of teaser previews on Instagram, akin to the approach popularized by Kim Kardashian, who incidentally was part of the Summer 2024 cast.

The audience at Balenciaga's Summer 2024 presentation was graced by a star-studded lineup, comprising what the brand affectionately refers to as "friends, family, and colleagues." The crowd included notable names like Kris Jenner, Offset, and Paris Hilton, mingling amidst the glamorous atmosphere. Surprisingly, the runway featured appearances by Amanda LePore and Cathy Horyn, among others, including Demna's own mother and former professors.

Against a backdrop of opulent red velvet drapery, Balenciaga unveiled its latest collection, characterized by oversized and baggy styles, a signature of the brand. This aesthetic manifested in super-sized outerwear, more pronounced shoulder structures, chunky Balenciaga sneakers, and spacious suitcase totes. On the contrary, the collection also featured form-fitting evening gowns and tracksuits, which played with proportions through flared finishes and substantial footwear.

A notable highlight of Balenciaga's Summer 2024 collection was its commitment to upcycling, evident in the reworked biker jackets crafted from deadstock leather. The show's grand finale was marked by a wedding dress, comprised of seven vintage wedding dresses layered upon each other, as per the brand's description, invoking memories of Kim Kardashian's wedding dress from the DONDA era.

Balenciaga's Summer 2024 collection exudes a sense of renewed intrigue and perhaps even a touch of playfulness, setting it apart from its recent offerings. Following the controversy surrounding its child ad campaign, Balenciaga has adopted a more understated design approach, evident in its theatric-free Spring 2024 and FW23 collections, a departure from previous seasons characterized by noodle scarves, leather trash bags, and pre-distressed footwear.

According to Balenciaga's show notes, Summer 2024 represents "what fashion means to Demna in its most personal form" — a tribute to the art of garment crafting and a heartfelt expression of his creative vision.