- Pierpaolo Piccioli’s debut for Balenciaga signals a dramatic pivot from viral streetwear back to classic elegance.
- Meghan Markle, in her first-ever Paris Fashion Week appearance, and Anne Hathaway led a star-studded front row.
- The collection honored Balenciaga’s historic silhouettes while injecting Piccioli’s signature vibrant colors.
- The high-stakes show comes as parent company Kering faces plunging sales, making this a critical moment for the brand.
A New Era for Balenciaga
In a stunning turn for Paris Fashion Week, new creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli unveiled his first collection for Balenciaga, marking a decisive move away from viral streetwear and back to the house’s elegant roots. The debut, staged in a historic chapel, has become the most talked-about event of the season, signaling a high-stakes attempt to revitalize the brand amid a corporate slowdown.
A-List Approval: Meghan Markle’s PFW Debut
The show’s importance was underscored by its starry front row. In a moment that captured global attention, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, made her first-ever Paris Fashion Week appearance, wearing a white cape over a silky ensemble. She was joined by Hollywood royalty like Anne Hathaway and Kristin Scott Thomas, whose presence signaled overwhelming social proof for Piccioli’s new direction.
The Collection: A Return to Roots
Piccioli’s collection was a masterclass in modern couture. The opening look, a slinky black version of the brand’s iconic “sack” dress, set the tone. He revived historic cocoon silhouettes and used gazar fabric—a signature of founder Cristóbal Balenciaga—to create structured yet lightweight pieces. This focus on comfort and timeless shapes marks a stark contrast to the provocative, streetwear-heavy era of his predecessor, Demna.
Respecting the Past
While forging a new path, Piccioli paid homage to what came before. “To deny what has been done here before is disrespectful and stupid,” he stated, explaining his choice to subtly incorporate Demna’s archetypes with his own romantic sensibility. This was most felt in the pops of violet, cyan, and highlighter yellow—a classic Piccioli touch now woven into the Balenciaga DNA.
High Stakes, High Hopes
With parent company Kering facing plunging sales, Piccioli’s debut was more than just a fashion show; it was a critical business move. Judging by the standing ovation he received, hiring one of this generation’s great couturiers may be the masterstroke Balenciaga desperately needed.