It's never a dull moment with Balenciaga, which recently set the internet ablaze last week with its intentionally scummy Paris Sneaker. After issuing shattered-screen iPhones as invites to its Fall/Winter 2022 show, Balenciaga handed out stacks of cold, hard fake cash to guests for its Spring 2023 runway show.
The Balenciaga Spring 2023 money stack show invites, aka "Balenciaga Dollars," resemble that of the American 100-dollar bill. And apparently, it even features that distinct money smell, thanks to Berlin's Smell Research Lab artist Sissel Tolaas.
However, unlike the American currency, Balenciaga's 100-dollar bill is "not legal tender and can not be used to make a payment of any kind" and has no "serial numbers, value denominations, or official seals," according to the all-caps message on the currency strap.
Balenciaga is known for its cleverly calculated — and usually buzz-worthy — marketing stunts, so the Demna-led brand's currency invites are all according to plan.
On the Balenciaga dough, you'll find the location, date, and time of its upcoming Spring 2023 show, taking place on May 22 on New York City's bustling and historic financial block, better known as Wall Street.
"Today, the United States is Balenciaga's fastest-growing market. This Sunday in New York City, Balenciaga will host its first American fashion show in 20 years. Immediately following the show, Balenciaga will also release a limited-edition collection online and at the brand's Madison Avenue flagship," Cédric Charbit, Balenciaga's CEO, told WSJ.
Aside from a potential homage to America's Balenciaga heads and its "Big Apple" teaser on its site, anything related to Balenciaga's Spring 2023 show and collection will be largely kept under wraps until Sunday (though, we have a few ideas).
All I can say is: when it comes to Balenciaga, expect the unexpected.
