Balenciaga. Los Angeles. Balenciaga in Los Angeles? Time for a celeb-filled runway show right in the middle of a residential street — lined with palm trees, of course.
Demna and Balenciaga touched down in Los Angeles for the house's Fall 2023 presentation, Balenciaga's first show in the bustling California city. It's kind of surprising an LA Balenciaga show hasn't happened sooner, given the brand's LA-based VIP clients (cough, the Kardashians, cough) and Hollywood-level presentations (blizzards, The Simpsons thing, literal draped theaters). But the moment is here now.
Balenciaga teased its Fall 2024 presentation in its typical fashion: energy bar invites with Balenciaga "nutrition" facts, a Balenciaga'd Hollywood sign, and an Erewhon juice collab for refreshing pre-show sips (there's merch, too).
True to Balenciaga show day (even more in the home of Hollywood), the celebs were out for the house's Fall 2024 presentation.
Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner seized photo ops with the palm tree backdrop in LA's Hancock Park. Nicole Kidman slayed in all-black as Balenciaga announced her as its new ambassador in the same breath. 2 Chainz, wearing some serious stompers, smoked a joint next to Lil Wayne in the front row.
Cole Sprouse was there, too...wearing that towel skirt. No, not the Ikea one, silly.
Meanwhile, on the runway, Cardi B closed out the show, sashaying on the unevenly paved "runway" in an oversized blue fur coat — a moment well-deserving of her famous catchphrase "Okurrr."
As far as the rest of the clothes, Balenciaga's Fall 2024 wears came in the typical Demna proportions. I'm talking body-hugging ensembles, droopy zip-up hoodies, extra roomy jeans, and big-shouldered blazers.
One model wore a pink tracksuit that oozed Paris Hilton's Juicy Couture days. But as I noticed the insanely-sized accessories, I soon came back to reality: this wasn't just another "that's hot' moment. It was Demna's take.
Gowns ranged from glittery numbers to a super stealthy finale complete with cyclindrical neckline that revealed nothing but the eyes on up.
Balenciaga's footwear was even bigger than before, including clunky UGG-esque boots. If you thought the Cargo sneakers were big, think again. For Fall 2024, Balenciaga introduces new XL sneakers on steroids (apparently, they're 10XL).
Scarves boasted sleeves. Big ole duffles bumped against yoga mats while slung over models' shoulders. In between, classic house accessories like its mask shades and baseball caps shaded people's faces from the bright LA sun.
There were also these No Logo pieces, Le Cagole Tote XL bags, and a Jacob & Co. jewelry collaboration, all now available on Balenciaga's website and stores as part of its continued "see now, buy now" campaign.
Since the child ad scandal in 2022, Demna's Balenciaga has played it pretty safe with its runway presentations and collections. Pieces like Balenciaga's towel skirt and wildly chunky sneakers make you say "classic Demna." But it's definitely not the same Balenciaga by Demna who had previously dished out trashed sneakers and thousand-dollar leather trash bags.
After Fall 2023, the brand's somber return to the runway, we've seen Demna slowly pull his gimmicks again but nothing too crazy to stir a PR nightmare (no one wants that). Though, it's hard to believe Demna doesn't want to make "buzz" clothes, after sending cartoonish sneakers and $550 Erewhon aprons down the runway for Fall 2024.
Regardless, Cardi B is always a good thing.
