Balenciaga Put Normal Everyday Workers on the Runway
Fashion

Balenciaga Put Normal Everyday Workers on the Runway

Since Demna Gvasalia took the reins at Balenciaga a few years ago, it has all been about exaggeration: giant shoulders, puffy sleeves, tiny waist, pant-a-leg-boots, you name it. For Spring 2020, he took that approach even further when it came to the models' makeup — their enhanced cheekbones and inflated lips spread all over social media. Even the shoes had a different bent, with a flat, webbed tip resembling an animal hoof.

The casting also took a slightly different turn this season, with real-life architects, teachers, doctors, engineers, and other working people among the lineup of models who walked the runway. Turns out that Gvasalia wanted to explore the dynamics of power and professions, with models sporting Balenciaga employee badges and corporate logos. Against the electric blue set, the looks felt sharp, surreal, yet authentic all at once. Here's everything you need to know about the co-ed collection.

Corporate Realness

The first slate of black and navy looks were all about uniform dressing. Corporate Balenciaga branding in the work badges and small logo set the tone for the collection's work-wear theme.

Super Wide Shoulders

The wide shoulders from the past couple of seasons returns again for Spring. The exaggerated shape is balanced by a slim waistline and elongated sleeves.

Graphic Tees

Clever branding and logos are a Balenciaga staple. This season, a slew of witty graphic tees made the rounds, including a nod to America's Next Top Model as well as X-Rated and 18+ shirts.

Huge Jackets

For the men, puffer jackets came with big, rounded sleeves and exaggerated necks that reached up past the head.

Dress Drama

An ode to Cristobal Balenciaga's couture craft took form at the finale of the show, with models dressed in gowns with dramatic skirts conjuring 18th century silhouettes but designed in a very modern head-to-toe suede.

Lead photo via Getty / Runway photos via Imaxtree

Fashion

Runway Legend Omahyra Mota Feels Stronger Than Ever

Story by Mickey Boardman / Photography by 91 Rules / Creative direction by Paul Bui / Styling by Gabriel Held / Makeup by Kento Utsubo / Hair by Ryuta Sayama