Demna Gvasalia presented a manifesto collection in which Balenciaga black echoed the critical events unfolding in Ukraine, putting this show beyond the realm of fashion.
Balenciaga Black: Manifesto colour, and political statement.
It is rare that shows strongly recognise current world events however not for Demna Gvasalia’s. Balenciaga’s artistic director, who has been carrying out a top to bottom fashion revolution and in the house’s classic style, which was founded by Cristobal Balenciaga, used the catwalk and his Autumn/Winter 2022 collection to make a meaningful statement.
First of all, the catwalk took place in a post-apocalyptic setting with models taking on a snowstorm. The initial aim was to bring attention to climate change and the disappearance of snow. However, this statement took a completely different turn, shining a light on the tragic war which Russia is currently waging on Ukraine.
Demna Gvasalia who calls himself a “forever refugee”, feels a poignant connection to the current times. At 10 years old he fled to Georgia with his mother fleeing Russian attack.
The Balenciaga models offer a visualisation of today’s tragic reality. since fashion can evoke feelings within us about things which are happening thousands of miles away. Balenciaga’s black dresses present a stoic elegance, asymmetrical black dresses, hybrid sweatshirts and other expressive pieces such as the trash bag evoking migration, depict a more political approach towards Balenciaga’s iconic signatures.
Cristobal Balenciaga loved black for the splendour that it brought to women. This time around Demna Gvasalia used Balenciaga black to illustrate depth, gravity and above all the weight of those who have been forced into exile, demonstrating great resilience!