Balenciaga Has Been Served at Paris Fashion Week
Graphic by Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez
Sexy, classic and eye-catching are standout words that describe Balenciaga’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection that was presented Monday evening at Paris Fashion Week.
Georgian fashion designer Demna Gvasalia, creative director of the French luxury fashion house and his own brand Vetements, was inspired by his early memories of fashion through childhood drawings.
“It’s a tribute to fashion that has a point of view,” said the designer on Instagram before the show started.
The long runway, made of dark and honey wood, is inspired by a family dinner table. The dinner table is significant to the designer because that was where he created his “fashion shows” at his grandmother’s house.
American singer Katy Perry, German singer Kim Petras, Australian-American actress Nicole Kidman, British Drag Queen Alexis Stone, American actress Lindsay Lohan and American model Ashley Graham were seated in wooden chairs at the fashion dinner.
Model Rain Bonnaire opened the show while wearing a pair of black sunglasses, a single earring on the left ear, a double-strapped white lace bra, a black top-handle handbag, a sheer white skirt with white lace stockings that cover pointed high-heels.
This look is not Balenciaga, but it's a nice shake-up from what we usually see from Demna.
Traditionally a unisex, made-for-everyone brand, the fashion house pivoted to skin-revealing outfits that make money, which in the fashion industry is always an easy way to get people to consume products.
Lingerie, sparkles and cozy tops make their way onto the runway.
Look 7 is sex appeal at its finest. The model stuns in black sunglasses, a gold necklace, shimmery sheer lace black bra, panty and stockings and a luxurious fur coat accompanied by black flats, which is very Samantha Jones from Sex and the City.
Now, dresses and Balenciaga staples are front-in-stage and the music reflects that change.
A remixed version of Britney Spears’ 2007 smash hit “Gimme More” played on the runway and complements the dramatic change of clothing well. Dresses that have black strings touching the floor, leather ensembles and chunky sneakers are what Denma does best. Bomber jackets, futuristic sunglasses and pants that reveal the V-line come along shortly after.
Moroccan model Noureddine Boudaakat represents Look 30, which is made up of wrap-around sunglasses, a puffy zip-up sweater that has ‘Fashion Designer’ printed on it, ripped black denim and the classic black ginormous sneakers.
Polo shirts, interesting accessories and layers-on layers take control of the audience’s attention. Even though some of the styling choices were choices, it is fascinating to see.
For example, Look 49 was one of the most insane things I’ve ever seen at PFW. The model, Benjamin Migsch, wears a pair of straight black jeans on his head, a black baseball cap with an ‘O’ embroidered in white that covers his face, a cropped black shirt, an extremely long black trench coat, low-rise relaxed black jeans that has a navy blue shirt hanging from the waist and black sandals. Yeah, that’s a lot to take in. But, it’s what Demna excels at; driving all of the attention to Balenciaga through clothing.
Lululemon-esque separates in bright colors, blinged-out necklaces and iPhones that say ‘Balenciaga’ on the screen are different. But, sharp dresses with strong shoulders and oval collars bring a theatrical element to the show.
American artist Eliza Douglas closed out the collection by wearing prescription glasses and a grand satin black floor-length gown that resembles a block, which with all of its simplicity, makes it good.
In this collection, Demna has shown the industry that he can dress a multitude of clients who fall under various styles and is willing to take risks. From the slouchy dressers to those who want a seductive piece, Balenciaga has your back when you party it up and when you wake up for business every day.