Balenciaga Spring 2017

ArtieWolff Kasım 20, 2021

Balenciaga has excited and pleased high fashion-loving women for decades now, thus Demna Gvasalia inherited a very captivating and quite magical history when he stepped into the role as Creative Director at the iconic fashion house. But he has his own set of charm and power—witnessed quite blatantly with the absolute obsession with his own Vetements brand. Thus he combined the sartorial alchemy of the two for Balenciaga’s Spring offerings: brimming with the desire and impulse to splurge and purchase whenever and however possible.

Seasonal collections can go multiple ways: complete newness, a slight riff on a house’s signatures, utter steadfastness to trademarks, or a combination of never-before-seen and tried-and-true. Gvasalia was somewhere between all of the aforementioned with an assortment that overflowed with color, grounded design, and age-old spandex.

Gvasalia is well-versed in sporty chic designs, but he gave a sultrier spin to spandex than just all things athletic. Leg-hugging, thigh-high boots caressed the models’ gams ever so sexily, while va-va-voom leggings offset wearable, floral printed peplum tops. The looks didn’t always feel elevated, but they sure as heck felt approachable.

Party tops made a comeback with 80’s-inspired head turners that boasted embellished brooches, ruching, midriff-baring lengths, and vibrant prints.

And good luck making it through normal-sized doors with the shoulders on display. These coats were not for the faint of heart, but were indeed a riff on the strong shoulders of the beloved Eighties.

Balenciaga’s price points will never be affordable, but the functionality of some of the designs presented were appreciated. Simple, striped button-front shirts were great wardrobe additions for work or play and a khaki duffle coat felt like the perfect piece for transitional weather.

And let’s not forget the accessories. We have absolutely no idea if we’re ready to get back into the square shoe game, but Gvasalia certainly wants us to. As well as picking up an incredibly oversized bag, which should be no problem for those who already have a slew of them—they’re New York City essentials after all.

We won’t have to look further than the show’s front row to wonder who will be wearing this collection. Kim Kardashian and Salma Hayek seemed like the best style mavens to do so if any, though we know Rihanna will also opt for some of the more daring wares.