The fashion house Balenciaga presented a new couture collection, which included a 3D-printed dress reminiscent of Joan of Arc and hand-painted trompe l’oeil clothing.
The collection was presented at the Balenciaga atelier in Paris. The show was opened by models that reimagined the brand’s archival works. Balenciaga creative director Demna Gvasalia turned to the work of Cristobal Balenciaga, created between 1964 and 1968.
They were followed by a series of tailored suits with V-necks that were reminiscent of the fashion houses tailored jackets. Classic models have been replaced by trompe l’œil fabrics. Hand-painted linen fabric imitated natural leather, fur and denim. Working with oil paint on individual pieces took up to 280 hours.
Some accessories and coats seem frozen in the moment. The garments were also sculpted by hand using knitted fabric linings, which allow the outer material to hold its shape. “Inspired by the work of British artist Lucian Freud, the Coup De Vent looks like it’s fluttering in the wind,” explains the designer.
The final image was a 3D printed armor dress made of polymer with a metallic chrome coating. “It represents the crossroads of eras, the combination of classical techniques with advanced scientific achievements. It also demonstrates a new reality,” adds the creative director of Balenciaga.