Demna bids farewell to Balenciaga in his beloved old-Hollywood style

The 54th couture collection marks the apothéose of Demna’s rule as the creative director of Balenciaga. To succinctly summarise a decade-long creative process is a feat that would leave even the most skilled designer perplexed, but Demna does what he does best – presenting us with a mosaic of sculptural constructions, Nosferatu-esque necklines, and Black tie attire. Minimalist in their details but huge in their proportions, they serve as the red thread throughout the collection, and constantly rippling is the Demna(nian) philosophy of propelling couture renditions into something that needs to exist outside the ballroom.

The looks all nod towards Balenciaga’s, and in extension Demna’s, specialities, from references to the golden age of Hollywood, with a black sequined gown inspired by Marilyn Monroe, and a mink coat as a love letter to Elizabeth Taylor, worn by Kim Kardashian. His love for all things glimmeringly Hollywood was not left unnoticed, but rather endorsed, with 1000s of carats of diamonds adorning his collection in the jewellery by Lorraine Schwart.

Overall, the collection feels like a history lesson unfolding before our eyes, and we’re wide awake, taking notes. While this might be a swan song for Demna, a new era is upon us, with the torch being passed down to Pierpaolo Piccioli, landing straight from Valentino. What does the next chapter have in store for us? What directions will the brand take?  While the questions may be numerous, we’re eagerly awaiting the answers, so tune in along with us as we keep tabs on (one of) our favourite brands.