THE FINAL ACT OF A DECADE: DEMNA QUIETLY SAYS GOODBYE TO BALENCIAGA

BALENCIAGA: DEMNA’S LAST CURTAIN CALL

Paris, Haute Couture Week 2025. This morning marked the conclusion of Demna Gvasalia’s 54th couture show for Balenciaga—an understated testament to a decade of fashion upheaval. Set inside Cristóbal Balenciaga’s meticulously restored apartment, the show blended historical nods with a laser-sharp focus on sartorial reality—a final performance that married tradition with provocation.

Demna’s tailoring chops are undeniable: vertical lines, structured forms, craftsmanship stitched to perfection. But here lies the catch: you can design sartorial masterpieces, yet if wearing them transforms the person into a spectral figure—casting long shadows worthy of the Addams Family—something breaks.

Yes, the precision of his cuts remains—the same sleek silhouettes that captured Balenciaga’s ladylike elegance. But with bat-wing sleeves, oversized proportions, and double- and triple-layered jackets, Demna often crosses the threshold from bold to absurd. Revolution isn’t always about loud anti-conformism; sometimes the true rebellion lies in a perfectly fitted dress or suit that flatters and empowers.

Today’s show was a symphony of contrasts: couture discipline, outsized trench coats, extreme men’s tailoring, followed by romantic moments underscored by Sade’s sultry notes and pastel gowns retaining sculptural precision. On the runway, icons like Isabelle Huppert, Kim Kardashian, and Naomi Campbell appeared—signifying the emotional weight of Demna’s era.

Demna leaves behind a complex legacy: viral sneakers, oversized puffers, manipulated denim, alongside profound couture structures. He redefined contemporary wardrobes—but often at the cost of natural grace. Now, with his move to Gucci, the conversation shifts: true sartorial revolution may lie in moderation—perfect fit, balanced proportions, and subtlety.

What remains is a decade that rewrote the rules of luxury and couture provocation. Balenciaga is preparing for a new chapter—with Pierpaolo Piccioli in the front row—while all eyes turn to Demna’s next act at Gucci.