Fashion

Balenciaga Presents Spring/Summer 2023 Show at the New York Stock Exchange

Balenciaga's co-ed Spring/Summer 2023 collection combines fetishism with an Adidas collaboration in an unexpected return to New York City.

person human clothing apparel

Demna brings Balenciaga to New York City for the first time in 19 years, since then-creative director Nicolas Ghesquière did so in 2003. The guests of the Maison were invited to the New York Stock Exchange to attend the Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2023 show.

Prior to the show, the designer sent out invitations in the form of fake piles of cash, following the broken iPhone 6s sent out last season. The Balenciaga-branded currency band wrapped the fake hundred-dollar bills that read "BALENCIAGA SPRING 23 SHOW."

In addition to the invitations, Demna projected the Balenciaga logo on some iconic Big Apple locations, including Madison Square Park, New York Public Library, Columbus Circle, Union Square, and Time Square.

 
The invitation to the Balenciaga Spring Summer 2023 show

All the guests were delivered a pack of fake banknotes, ironically the show took place in the heart of the New York Stock Exchange: NYSE New York Stock Exchange

The trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange served as a catwalk for models whose identities were overshadowed by fetish leotards. On top of this latex layer, they wore the Spring/Summer 2023 collection, a mix of prêt-à-porter: the new Garde-Robe line, eveningwear, and pieces from the new Balenciaga x Adidas collection.

The collection was made up of essential items with tailored cuts, sharp finishes, and precious materials like wool, silk, gabardine, and handcrafted denim. Dresses, garments, and outerwear were reduced and redefined by bold silhouettes with minimalist construction techniques. Eveningwear was renewed and becomes extra-formal: fitted dresses, tuxedos with oversized jackets, foot-length silk trench coats with trains.

The collaboration between Balenciaga and Adidas also arrived as one of the most organic collabs, where the iconic Balenciaga tracksuits and sneakers, the Triple S, integrated Adidas' three stripes logo with extreme naturalness and in an oversized fit. The collab recontextualized elements of sportswear that have been part of Balenciaga's creative language. The line of ready-to-wear, shoes, bags, jewelry, and accessories is distinguished by a sports crest or trefoil logo above the Balenciaga name in the Adidas typeface.

Within the Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2023 collection, a classic décolleté is reinvented in an oversized and padded version. Steroid boots and derby shoes are bulky but light, made from a single mold with super exaggerated proportions. The Money Bag line consists of bags with top handles that open from below and close with a snap closure.

Immediately after the show, selected pieces were made available for purchase online at balenciaga.com and at the Balenciaga store on Madison Avenue in New York.

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