Following an internet-breaking ‘collaboration’ with Gucci, Balenciaga is now making us dream of travel with its Pre-FW21 collection. Photographed by Patrick Welde, the lookbook features models photoshopped outside some of the world’s most iconic tourist attractions. The largely unisex collection is filled with relaxed oversized pieces, combining casual wear with ostentatious formalwear, from fur coats outside Big Ben to camouflage jackets next to the Eiffel Tower.
Many of the pieces feel incredibly on-brand, with retro 90s elements being paired with more tailored pieces. Balenciaga even tapped GAP’s iconic logo, producing oversized pieces marked with the word ‘GAY’. Speaking of the design, Balenciaga Creative Director Demna Gvasalia told Vogue “I’m gay. I grew up in a society where I couldn’t have worn that, and there are places in the world that you cannot today”. He added that “It’s important to push through against homophobia. I’m not someone who goes out in the street and shouts. But this is the political fashion activism I can do”.
Demna never fails to deliver unconventional footwear and this collection is no different. He’s bringing back the Toe Heels shoe, this time in soft leather while also introducing a DIY style cut-up runner sneaker. An Essex boot with an ankle buckle and a clog-inspired Sabot heel round out the extravagant footwear within the collection.
In addition, Balenciaga has released a ‘Feel Good Video’ made in collaboration with Kamiya Kuspanova and Anton Bialas. The short film is made up of clips that “instil joy” whether that be kids playing with farm animals or basketball perfectly falling through a hoop. It’s the kind of calming clip that will help with post-weekend anxieties.
Watch the ‘Feel Good Video’ here.
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