
Watch Balenciaga's Dystopian News Broadcast
By Jeena Sharma
Feb 18, 2020Balenciaga is turning up the ante this season with a campaign video satirizing the many political issues plaguing our world. Created to mimic an evening news broadcast, the video features several models dressed like news anchors with their faces manipulated using prosthetics — much like the brand's Spring 2020 show.
Directed by Will Benedict, the fake journalists can be seen reporting on a bizarre set of events including the end of traffic jams, planets getting repositioned and a made up political campaign. Possibly as an extension of the campaign, the brand's Twitter page currently features no tweets, in a way reflecting the false promises and lies told by politicians during campaign trails to win elections.
The video follows Balenciaga's Spring 2020 show, which was staged in an EU conference room. Reportedly, they filled the space with extra cool air and heavy industrial music to make it uncomfortable as commentary on climate change.
Supporting the video, there's an identical series of pictures shot by political photographer Laurence Chaperon that show Balenciaga models as real life politicians making bogus declarations such as "Power of Tomorrow" and "Love is for Everyone."
While the campaign definitely raises valuable points both about unkept political promises and looming environmental destruction, it's also important to note that fashion — especially fast fashion — plays a role in polluting the world. Here's hoping fashion activism goes beyond passionate runway statements and campaign videos, potentially motivating brands to question their own manufacturing practices.
Photo via YouTube
MORE ON PAPER
Music
Yungblud Reclaims Rock Stardom
Story by Georgia Evans / Photography by Ellen von Unwerth / Styling by Mike Adler / Grooming by Luca Tullio / Set design by Caylah Jean
Story by Georgia Evans / Photography by Ellen von Unwerth / Styling by Mike Adler / Grooming by Luca Tullio / Set design by Caylah Jean
02 July
Music
Reneé Rapp Trusts Herself
Story by Erica Campbell / Photography by Yasmine Diba / Styling by Valeria Semushina / Makeup by Loren Canby / Hair by Marissa Marino / Nails by Anna Wesolowska / Set design by Kelly Infield
Story by Erica Campbell / Photography by Yasmine Diba / Styling by Valeria Semushina / Makeup by Loren Canby / Hair by Marissa Marino / Nails by Anna Wesolowska / Set design by Kelly Infield
26 June
Film/TV
'Overcompensating' Hits Where It Heals
Story by Joan Summers / Photography by Kenyon Anderson / Styling by Marissa Pelly / Set design by Liz Mydlowski / Makeup by Rommy Najor, Mollie Gloss / Hair by Akihisa Yamaguchi, Sergio Estrada / Grooming by Kennedy Trisler
Story by Joan Summers / Photography by Kenyon Anderson / Styling by Marissa Pelly / Set design by Liz Mydlowski / Makeup by Rommy Najor, Mollie Gloss / Hair by Akihisa Yamaguchi, Sergio Estrada / Grooming by Kennedy Trisler
05 June
Entertainment
The 2025 Tonys: 'Give It Everything Or Die Trying'
Story by Michael Musto / Photography by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders / Jewelry by Alexis Bittar
Story by Michael Musto / Photography by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders / Jewelry by Alexis Bittar
05 June
Film/TV
Coolest Person in the Room: Stephanie Suganami
Story by Andrew Nguyen / Photography by Diego Villagra Motta / Styling by Angelina Cantú / Hair by Stefano Greco / Makeup by STOJ
Story by Andrew Nguyen / Photography by Diego Villagra Motta / Styling by Angelina Cantú / Hair by Stefano Greco / Makeup by STOJ
30 May