Kanye West Just Opened Balenciaga's Apocalyptic, Mud-Filled SS23 Show In Paris
Paris Fashion Week has been full of major moments this SS23 season, from Bella Hadid's spray-on dress at Coperni and Cher closing Balmain to Saint Laurent's epic supermodel-filled front row.
So expectations were high for Balenciaga, a brand known for its high-octane shows, loyal coterie of celebrity fans and penchant for creating viral moments. Who could forget Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa and Nicole Kidman's unexpected turn at modelling in Balenciaga's last Couture show?
We knew we would be in for something special when the brand's show invitation was unveiled: a 'lost' wallet stuffed with cards, receipts, money and an ID card belonging to one Natalia Antunes.
No explanation came with it, something which we will have to get used to, it seems: Balenciaga's show notes said creative director Demna has decided to no longer explain his collections or verbalise his designs. 'Fashion in its best case scenario should not need a story to be sold to someone,' the notes read. 'You either like it or not.'
Still, what we most certainly were not expecting was to see Kanye West opening Balenciaga's SS23 show. In his first ever runway appearance, West stomped down the catwalk – an actual mud pit complete with puddles and sludge – in a head-to-toe black look, featuring leather trousers, a multi-pocket bulky 'security' jacket and a baseball cap peeking out from under a hood.
In the show notes, Demna explained the muddy set was 'a metaphor for digging for truth and being down to earth.' 'Let us let everyone be anyone and make love not war,' he concluded, mirroring the same anti-war sentiment from his AW22 show that took place soon after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Apocalyptic as ever, the SS23 show also featured models including Bella Hadid sporting bruised and beaten faces, while others walked the runway with baby carriers strapped to them (containing Balenciaga dolls) and long gowns trailing in the mud. Meanwhile, everyone from Kylie Jenner, Christine Quinn and Doja Cat to Euphoria star Alexa Demie watched on from the star-studded FROW, as well as Kanye's children North, Chicago, Psalm and Saint West who were seen arriving at the show with their father.
You Might Also Like
