Balenciaga's 54th Couture Collection was presented in Paris on July 9, 2025. This collection marked the end of Artistic Director Demna's decade at Balenciaga, marking a monumental body of work. The sculptural garments, born from a pursuit of impossible perfection, are the pinnacle of a quiet yet powerful beauty that unites the Cristóbal Balenciaga spirit with modernity.

Courtesy of Balenciaga
In addition to the construction of the garments themselves, this collection also demonstrated a close collaboration with artisanal techniques. Of particular note is the brand's first collaboration with Duvelloy, a long-established Parisian fan manufacturer founded in 1827. Two fans, "Les Fleurs d'Argent" and "Pliable," recreated from the archives, were handcrafted over a period of more than 200 hours. Layers of delicate materials, such as mother-of-pearl acetate, organza, and sequin embroidery, are brought to life by embroidery by Maison Lesage, which has close ties with Cristóbal Balenciaga. The high level of perfection goes beyond mere accessories, embodying the true artistry of couture.

Courtesy of Balenciaga
The collection also saw the designer collaborate with four family-run tailors in Naples. Drawing on traditional Southern Italian tailoring techniques, the designers created soft, lightly structured suits, designed to organically change silhouette when worn by models of different body types. Driven by the idea that "the clothes do not define the body, the body defines the clothes," the collection beautifully expresses Demna's ideal of modern diversity within the context of couture.

Courtesy of Balenciaga
Also central to this collection was a rethinking of bourgeoisie dress codes. Regal silhouettes, such as high necks and tulip-shaped lapels reminiscent of the Medici and Nosferatu, were presented from a new perspective. The collection also featured a number of pieces that blurred the line between function and decoration, including an ultra-lightweight technical silk bomber jacket, a puffer coat with no side seams, and "corduroy" pants reconstructed using trompe l'oeil techniques, all in keeping with Balenciaga's signature spirit of redefinition.

Courtesy of Balenciaga
The finale featured minimalist, sculptural dresses crafted from guipure lace. Gowns, slips, and jewelry paying tribute to Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor evoked Old Hollywood glamour. High jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz, totaling more than 1,000 carats, added further sparkle to the collection.

Courtesy of Balenciaga
This final collection clearly demonstrated how close fashion can come to art, and the craftsmanship required to make it happen. As Demna himself said, "This collection is a fitting conclusion to my 10 years at Balenciaga," every piece is filled with respect for his philosophy and history, as well as a quiet determination for the future.

Courtesy of Balenciaga
A documentary film directed by Gianluca Migliarotti, released alongside the collection, poetically depicts the creative process, showcasing the artisans of Atelier Flou and Atelier Tailleur, as well as Duveleroy and Neapolitan tailors. What emerges is the very "memory of the hands" that lies behind luxury.

Courtesy of Balenciaga
This couture collection was more than just a fashion show; it was the end of an era and a quiet revolution that hinted at the next. Demna's final couture collection can be seen as a great compass pointing to the future of couture.

Courtesy of Balenciaga



Contact:
Balenciaga Client Service
Tel 0120-992-136
URL balenciaga.com