Balenciaga’s Definition of Haute Couture

Balenciaga has once again made everyone question, “Is this really couture?” after their Fall 2024 Couture show in Paris. Alright, for all the fashion newcomers, when we think of couture, we usually imagine luxurious gowns, sparkling details, and all things classy and chic. But Balenciaga? They showed up with straight-up streetwear.

Since Demna’s first haute couture collection in 2021, he has masterfully included the language of the streets in his work. Alongside gowns that pay tribute to the extravagantly shaped silhouettes of Cristóbal Balenciaga, Demna has been serving up casual, every day looks like suits, shrugs, pullovers, denim, knit sweaters, tracksuits, neoprene bodysuits, and more. We get it, Demna—you’re redefining couture, showing us that it exists beyond just gowns. But hey, sometimes, the people want what they came for—glamorous couture!

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Balenciaga seems to thrive on making headlines, and let’s be honest, we love it. There are always standout pieces in their collections that we simply can’t ignore and feel the urge to get our hands on. Haute couture is all about creating made-to-measure clothing that showcases extraordinary craftsmanship and intensive technique, and Balenciaga is certainly delivering that with its Fall 2024 Couture collection. However, because these look lean toward the avant-garde, rooted in street culture and subcultures like club kids, goth girls, and boys, metalheads, and punks, they’ve sparked a debate on the true essence of specialized fashion.

But this time, the controversy isn’t just about one particular piece—it’s about the entire collection.

This year’s collection featured chavvy track pants, polos, band hoodies, plaid jackets, and dresses made from layers upon layers of sweatshirts. Most reviews boiled down to, “Who would want to wear a pile of old rags?” But this time, the controversy isn’t just about one particular piece—it’s about the entire collection. Not because it’s bizarre, but because it dares to break the traditional rules of fashion.

Yet, when you look closely, these pieces are crafted by couture specialists to the exacting standards of the Fédération. Still, Balenciaga just can’t seem to keep itself out of the spotlight, for better or worse.

From the August 2024 issue of FHM India.