Shortly after an internet-shaking collaboration with Gucci for the brands Aria collection, Balenciaga has returned to present its own Winter 21 collection, and designer Demna Gvasalia is taking us on a round-the-world trip via the collection imagery in celebration of it.
In a 58-look look book, photographer Patrick Welde super imposes models into iconic tourist attractions across the globe as a virtual imagining of life when we can travel again. The collection takes form as a complete wardrobe, rethinking what it means to dress up to go out with a unisex offering and a reimagination of silhouettes for the modern wearer. It is easy-to-wear, elevated into luxury for a unique touchpoint between comfort and grandeur.
Tailoring is, as it so often is with Gvasalia's Balenciaga, a quiet hero underpinning the collection. Intentionally creased and large fitting, fabrications are offered in satin, viscose, gabardine, linen, crushed nylon, and cotton. A stencil stamp that reads Balenciaga Apparel Rentals provides a whisper of branding, and alludes to the suit or tuxedo’s timelessness and endurance transcending trends, moments, and wearers.
Such staples are intercepted with joyful block colours and prints. Hoodies and t-shorts playfully printed with vintage-style block letters reading 'GAY' are layered over top of distressed denim; Trompe l’oeil jean visuals are printed on stretch velvet and jersey molleton fabrics for comfort under the guise of polish; fleece tracksuits have been fused with knit pullovers, reiterated into into hoodies; floral print dresses with oversized puff sleeves are swatched and continued through outerwear.
To accompany the collection, a “FeelGoodVideo” has been released in collaboration with artists Kamilya Kuspanova and Anton Bialas, known for layering found and original footage. Heejoon Kwak, a designer interested in the physical and mental effects of sound worked alongside the artists on the film. The video features no products or advertising, created solely to evoke a positive emotion. "Using visuals and sounds that have been scientifically proven to instill joy in most people, the montage pieces together clips and effects in a way that aims to cleanse the everyday digital palette and make almost anyone feel good." a press release reads.
Watch the film, below.
