Balenciaga’s FW23 Runway Return Went Back To Basics In A Bid For Redemption

All eyes were on Balenciaga this season as the brand made its runway return at Paris Fashion Week following *those* campaign controversies.  

Taking place on March 5 in a pared-back room inside the Carrousel du Louvre shopping center, the brand's comeback promised a departure from the concept of “fashion as entertainment” as Demna took inspiration from Balenciaga’s roots for the collection. 

In the show notes, Demna explained: “In the last couple of months, I needed to seek shelter for my love affair with fashion and I instinctively found it in the process of making clothes. It reminded me once again of its amazing power to make me feel happy and truly express myself. This is why fashion to me can no longer be seen as entertainment, but rather as the art of making clothes.”

Staying true to his word by ditching the synonymous viral moments and celebrity appearances, the designer shifted the focus towards a series of styles that felt refreshing but retained the essence of the brand. 

The highly-anticipated show opened with a wide tailored black suit, followed by immaculate double-breasted jackets, oversized grey plaid coats and pinstriped suits. Maintaining a theme of structured tailoring, high necklines and broad shoulders, classic Balenciaga motifs were present with archive sheer lace floral dresses, sleek trench coats, voluminous streetwear, large layers and the iconic bug-eyed sunglasses appearing on the runway.

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