Balenciaga presented its Fall 2024 collection in Los Angeles, California, marking the first time the esteemed fashion house has hosted a show in the city. The event, set against a backdrop of palm tree-lined streets and featuring a custom soundtrack by BFRND with multiple voiceovers, showcased Demna‘s unique interpretation of L.A.’s fashion sensibilities through a cinematic and character-driven approach. The collection brings range of styles, from everyday activewear to glamorous Hollywood evening gowns inspired by Cristóbal Balenciaga, interspersed with sections of updated grunge, upscale daywear, and signature tailoring.
The show started with an activewear chapter, featuring straightforward pieces such as shorts, bra tops, leggings, and sweatshirts. This was followed by a jersey section that paid homage to the American velour tracksuit trend and celebrity street style of the 2000s. Updated versions of the tracksuit included low-slung trousers and cropped hooded jackets, complemented by knee-high Alaska boots.
The neo-grunge segment showcased oversized, layered garments, with standout items like asymmetric cut-up trousers, hand-embroidered leopard-motif coats, outdoor hotel slippers, and leather bags lined with nylon shopper totes. Upscaled daywear was presented next, featuring outsize proportions and precise tailoring, with many pieces styled with flattened square shoulders or as tweed sets. A hooded jacket included an integrated scarf for paparazzi deterrence.
Eveningwear concluded the show, highlighting defined shapes and silhouettes that blended past and present by referencing original designs by Cristóbal Balenciaga. Wrapped coat-dresses and tailored one-shoulder gowns were featured, along with a final look that epitomized the incognito theme: a monumental white gown in heavy white satin with a structured face shield.
Accessories played a significant role in the collection. Highlights included the new croc-embossed Rodeo bag, named after the Beverly Hills street where Balenciaga’s two L.A. flagships are located, the knitted 24/7 tote, the Monaco tote, and a range of eyewear including mask and batwing shapes and the new Malibu line with flexible temples and titanium construction. A standout was the 10XL Sneaker, symbolizing Balenciaga’s penchant for exaggerated proportions, available in two exclusive colorways.
Following the show, Balenciaga released a selection of exclusive items, including leather and paper tote bags, jerseys, caps, and aprons in collaboration with Erewhon, the L.A.-based grocery store; the new Le Cagole Tote XL; No Logo jersey pieces; and high jewelry created with Jacob & Co. The jewelry designs reflect American youth culture infused with a “Made in the USA” opulence.
