PFW SS25: BALENCIAGA

Demna, the visionary artistic director of Balenciaga, made a triumphant return to Paris Fashion Week for his ninth year with the brand, unveiling the much-anticipated Summer 2025 collection. Models, including the renowned Chinese supermodel Liu Wen, walked down a striking 47-metre-long runway, designed as an extended wooden dining table, presenting a series of breathtaking looks that left the audience captivated.

Over the years, Demna has mastered the art of transforming his creative visions into unforgettable runway experiences, and this collection was no exception. Bold, eclectic, and unapologetically daring, Summer 2025 blurred the boundaries between luxury and rebellion. The show challenged traditional fashion norms while staying true to Demna’s signature style—precise tailoring, bold structures, and impeccable craftsmanship. Each look balanced provocation with empowerment, offering a fresh take on high fashion.

The spectacle began even before the runway show. Guests received a unique and personal invitation in the form of a custom-made gold ring engraved with their name and the show date. This symbolic gesture, posing the unspoken question, "Will you marry me?" invited attendees to pledge their loyalty to Balenciaga, mirroring Demna’s lifelong commitment to fashion.

As the much-anticipated Paris Fashion Week show finally began, it unfolded with slow, sensual energy to the jazz tones of Amy Irving’s "Why Don’t You Do It Right." Early looks featured skin-tone bodysuits paired with pantashoes resembling garter stockings, lace bras combined with glittering leggings, and oversized faux fur coats evoking glamorous, mob-era aesthetics—a possible nod to the growing trend of underwear-as-outerwear.

With each new look, the collection’s layers deepened. Trompe-l’oeil lingerie-inspired bodysuits gave way to ruched dresses and sleek black turtleneck gowns that initially appeared understated. Upon closer inspection, however, they revealed surprising details—open backs adorned with crisscrossing corsets and trailing ribbons, inviting the audience to linger a little longer.

Denim also played a prominent role, with torn chap jeans and oversized jackets making bold statements. Super low-rise bootcut jeans and striped polo shirts brought back a distinct early 2000s vibe. Yet, when styled with pieces from the Summer 2025 collection—such as oversized basketball sneakers, futuristic 360-degree masks, buckle pendant chain chokers, Signora earrings, and the iconic Nano bag—it became clear that this was no simple Y2K revival. Demna had reimagined the aesthetic, blending nostalgia with avant-garde elements to create something daring, fresh, and wholly unexpected.

The show concluded with a powerful reminder of Demna’s ability to push fashion's boundaries while staying grounded in its heritage. Each look carried a sense of boldness and unpredictability, merging the familiar with the futuristic to create a forward-thinking vision. As the final models made their way down the runway, it became clear that this was not just a tribute to fashion’s past—it was an evolution.

Under Demna's direction, Balenciaga continues to redefine the meaning of luxury. By combining expert craftsmanship with a rebellious edge, the Summer 2025 collection reinforced that Demna is not only dedicated to fashion but is also determined to push its boundaries and shape its future. The show left the audience not just impressed, but inspired, eager to see what this fearless creative mind will unveil next.