For Balenciaga‘s SS24, Demna staged a deeply personal affair. Against a backdrop of rich red velvet curtains, a procession of individuals close to the designer – friends, family, inspirers, and collaborators – graced the runway. From Demna’s mother Ella to fashion critic Cathy Horyn and musician BFRND, each figure played a part in Demna’s narrative.
“This was probably my most personal and my most favorite collection. It was about me, it was about my story,” Demna remarked, encapsulating the sentiment behind the showcase.
As for the garments, it was quintessentially Demna. Oversized tailoring and exaggerated shoulders sculpted daring silhouettes, juxtaposed with floral dresses, motorcycle jackets, cargo pants, and hoodies. Bomber jackets continued the exploration of unconventional proportions, while sporty elements intertwined with grunge-inspired layering. True to Demna’s style, touches of surrealism abounded, from exaggerated trainers to shoes masquerading as bags.
Two standout moments stole the spotlight: the iconic Amanda Lepore, exuding John Waters-esque glamour in an embellished gown, and BFRND’s unconventional finale, adorned in a collage of seven vintage wedding dresses, an embodiment of Demna’s distinct aesthetic.
