The luxury fashion house’s guests included Nicole Kidman, Salma Hayek, and Katy Perry.
Balenciaga’s recent show at Paris Fashion Week is not only a showcase of the Spanish luxury retailer’s unique and innovative identity but, for creative director Demna, it is also a celebration of dreams coming true.
In the show’s notes sent to foreign press, the 43-year-old designer shared how Balenciaga’s spring-summer 2025 exhibition is inspired by a cherished childhood memory. “My early memories of fashion start with me drawing looks on cardboard, cutting them out, and making ‘fashion shows’ on my grandma’s kitchen table,” he wrote. “Thirty-five years later, this show reconnects me to the beginning of my vision. It’s a tribute to fashion that has point of view.”
Everything about the Sept. 30 show spoke of the creativity and boldness that both Balenciaga and Demna have long possessed. It took place at the extensive complex of Les Invalides, complete with its stunning classical French architecture that draws far back to the 17th century.
The set was painted all black in keeping with the brand’s official colors of black, white, and anthracite gray. Affixed dining tables were used for the runway, with Hollywood stars like Nicole Kidman and Lindsay Lohan sitting on the front row to indulge in a banquet of Balenciaga’s new tasteful creations.
Demna chose BFRND’s jazz remix of the Britney Spears hit song Gimme More for the soundtrack, which evoked an atmosphere that combined luxury and the fashion label’s continuing promise to give more — more cleverness, boldness, creativity, and luxury — through its new collection.
The blues music combined with the collection’s first ensembles created an intimate vibe for the show. Retro lace lingeries accessorized with pointed pumps, top-handle purses, and cat-eye sunglasses were the first looks at the show. These were extended to include a beaded lace bodysuit, glitter leggings, an oversized sweater, and a voluminous fur coat.
What’s also unique about Balenciaga’s SS25 show was how it gradually added layers to the ensembles instead of undressing. The looks progressed with more coverage in ’70s-inspired long-sleeve maxi dresses made out of chiffon and satin.
Jeans are among the main pieces and came ripped with huge holes or all patched up to look as if they were customized from a thrift shop — a personification of Demna’s belief that true luxury is not about grandeur and exclusivity but turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.
The collection featured jackets that are bulky and casual, as well as coats that are long and outlandish with their protruding voluminous sleeves. Oversized sweatshirts are designed with the superimposed slogans, “Fashion Designer” and “Human Being.”
The designer further established the concept that luxury is also found in the mundane through striped T-shirts that create an easy, laidback look when paired with denim pants. Meanwhile, Demna infused a whiff of whimsy through the collection’s giant metallic sneakers, oversized bedroom slippers, and caps worn low that they cover most of the wearer’s face.
Balenciaga gave a show not only through its striking-yet-also-relatable collection, but also through its star-studded guest list that graced the show in the brand’s latest looks. This included celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Lindsay Lohan, Salma Hayek, Katy Perry, Naomi Campbell, and Emma Roberts.
Watch the entire Balenciaga SS25 show at the Paris Fashion Week here.
