Models at the front segment of the show were seen donning this glossy egg-like face shield made from a polyurethane that was specially engineered by the people at Mercedes AMG F1 Applied Science (a division of the Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix group). Demna’s penchant for all things black was clear in the matte Japanese neoprene suits and floor-length coats that are a modern interpretation of the gazar fabric invented for Cristobal Balenciaga. And if you wondered how they were able to navigate the runway, months of testing went into ensuring the shields were anti-fog and breathable.

If you thought the bags carried by the models looked exactly like speakers, you’re right on the money. A collaboration between the fashion house and the Danish audio powerhouse, the device is “part bag, part Bluetooth sound system”; the hybrid was responsible for playing the couture show’s operatic soundtrack from its multi-point connectivity speaker that can be controlled from under the handle. The portable speaker-purse is made from solid aluminium which is then hand-polished to give a sleek satin-like finish; with the bag compartment lined with leather. Fashionable and functional, what more could you ask for?

Molecules from the walls of the Couture Store as well as personal items of Cristobal Balenciaga’s and the pieces from the archives were extracted via a special device to create the essences needed for a one-of-a-kind candle. For this, the brand roped in Norwegian artist and scientist Sissel Tolaas to concoct a blend of notes comprising burnt incense, tobacco smoke, oak, leather and even the oiled metal of sewing machines that invoke the historical importance of the store. The candle is refillable and comes in two sizes – a travel and home size.

Sold exclusively at the Balenciaga Couture Store are these handcrafted porcelain figurines of the models wearing the 50th Haute Couture collection by Demna. Made in the images of two of Balenciaga’s regular faces Aki Nummela (right) and Finnish model Minttu Vesala (left), the figurines are the work of the artisans at the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory in Munich. Established in 1747, the company is one of the last few places in the world that manually creates and paints every single one of its porcelain items.