Fashion Editor Keyonna Butler is back with a review of the Balenciaga 2023 Cruise collection
“Money is probably the biggest fetish in the world,” these were the words that were said by Demna Gvasalia, creative director of Balenciaga. These same words can describe the culture of the Balenciaga Cruise 2023 collection, where the runway presentation was showcased at the New York Stock Exchange in New York City.
As the audience was greeted with the opening bell at NYSE, we are introduced to the first section of the collection which Demna describes to Vogue Magazine as “Garde- Robe”, which can be described as classic, upscale garments with a twist. There were a variety of trench coats, pea coats and reefer coats with cinched in waists and high shoulders paired with silk jacquard pussybows blouses, large shades and even larger chunky shoes. The twist to these classic 80’s inspired garments was the latex face masks and bodysuits which fully covered the face and body of every model, mixing high class “yuppie” style of the 80’s with fetish culture, both of which have elements that are coming back in style with Millennials and Gen Z.
The show continued with a focus on evening wear, showcasing long sequined gowns, silk trench dresses, double breasted blazers and oversized outerwear jackets paired with purses and handbags.
The last part of the collection was dedicated to showcasing the Balenciaga x Adidas collection, which proves a continued rise of athleisure wear in high fashion. Down the runway came t-shirts, boxer robes, jerseys inspired by soccer teams and of course tracksuits with the iconic Adidas three stripes.
T-shirts donned both the Adidas logo and Balencgia name which I’m sure will be a big hit with streetwear and sportswear lovers.
Overall, the commentary of the Balenciaga Cruise 2023 was of American culture. In the 80’s, it was all about decadence and lavish living, making it big and living the American dream. It’s no different now with everyone on social media trying to one-up each other with their big label fashion hauls, extravagant trips and flawless looks.
To some, the latex looks may be off putting to some fashion viewers but the message is very clear on why they were needed. It shows that society in America has a fetish with money, power, perfection and even with fashion. The Balenciaga show was daring, bold and put a big spotlight on America’s biggest fetishes.
Check out the full collection below: