THE ONE we’ve all been waiting for, Balenciaga’s AW18 collection at PFW took on a 21st century-nomadic vibe with layers upon layers and shopping bags aplenty. Arguably at the top of their game, Balenciaga are becoming a brand with huge influence on current streetwear trends, made popular through celebrities and social media influencers. With later models looking as if they were wearing their whole wardrobe at once, the collection kicked off with simpler beginnings.
Navy tones soon turn neon as flamboyant turtlenecks and stretch-velvet dresses create a figure skating aesthetic, followed by floral mini-dresses and oversized blazers. Shoulder pads and enjoyably-vulgar jewellery indicates that Balenciaga are, yet another, brand that has followed an ‘80s inspiration. As model after model circled the graffiti-clad mountain, layer after layer was slowly added. Multiple jackets, fleeces and button-down shirts contribute to single outfits, each with its own clashing colour and texture. Oversized flannel shirts in checked print suggest a grunge inspiration.
Vibrant fabrics and loud prints continue throughout the collections entirety, but it is the additional placement prints that catch the eye. Creative director Demna Gvasalia’s choice to incorporate the Balenciaga hotline phone number brings an interactive aspect to the collection. Graphic t-shirts promote Balenciaga’s support for the World Food Programme and small rainbow flag motifs suggest further support for the LGBTQ+ community. By the collection’s finale, we struggled to see the models buried under shrouds of billowing jackets and exaggerated shirts.
P.S. we called the hotline, it’s a 20-question survey asking everything from height to favourite modes of transportation.
by Todd Burns
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