Kanye West Opens Balenciaga's Spring/Summer 2023 Show
Demna presents Balenciaga's "Mud Show," the Spring/Summer 2023 collection giving life to his vision of the fashion world.
Balenciaga's Spring/Summer 2023 show opened with no other than Kanye West. Friend and collaborator of Balenciaga's creative director Demna, West walked the muddy runway in an all-leather "security" uniform, a multi-pocket jacket, and baggy pants. Setting up for an apocalyptic scenario, Balenciaga models were ready for armageddon as they strutted through the valley of mud and water wearing workwear outfits, yellow and pink chenille rompers, parkas, windbreakers, destroyed jeans, trousers with dropped pockets, pointed goggles, and long wool scarves. Supermodel Bella Hadid also made her way to the mud track, wearing a hoodie paired with a punk bear bag, similar to Gucci’s recent Gizmo the Gremlin bag.
"I hate boxes and I hate labels and I hate being labeled and put in a box. Society, the Internet, and the world in general love to do it, because it makes you feel safe. You have to have courage and tenacity to truly take on your own. identity and who you really are. Every day becomes a battlefield to defend this unique identity. And the more you try to be yourself, the more you get punched in the face,” Demna explains.
Models were accessorized with silver facial piercings to add to the grunge look of the Spring/Summer 2023 collection. Leather was also a big accessory to adorn the runway, as models carried the rigid leather shopper bag and the shopper bag with chain handles. In the spirit of recycling and sustainability of the Balenciaga Resell Program, the show closed with a model wearing a long strapless leather dress made from the iconic "Neo Cagole" bags.
