How does Balenciaga keep both the fashion spirit and the environment going? Commit to the use of sustainable materials – then reimagine even the most casual of at-home essentials into something so glam, you’ll want to keep them for generations.
Reportedly 93.5 per cent of the materials used in the label’s Summer 2021 (Pre-Collection) line pass the mark for sustainability and upcycle certifications — the knitwear, for example, is made from scrap denim while deconstructed sweatshirts have been turned into headgear.
And if there are more gender-neutral styles than in previous seasons, it’s because the brand sees this as one way to help reduce resources and waste during the production process, in turn minimising its detrimental effects on the environment.
Scroll on to find out more about how Demna Gvasalia and team have fused sustainability and style.
Home – or hotel – slippers are elevated literally with heels, striking a balance between comfort and glamour.
Acetate-blend slippers. Tights, stylist’s own. All Balenciaga throughout unless stated
As part of Balenciaga’s amped-up focus on sustainability, upcycled materials are reinterpreted using couture techniques to craft one-of-a-kind pieces such as this jacket composed of a patchwork of cut-up, deadstock boots and the brand’s Neo Classic. Distressing and destroying the iconic bag is a Demna-esque tribute to it as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Upcycled leather jacket, silicone bracelet (worn on ankle), and acetate-blend slippers
Cristobal Balenciaga’s fisherman’s net dress from the archives is recreated with basketball net chains while the Hourglass bag gets a joyful, Muppet-esque makeover in highlighter-hued faux shearling.
Polyester-blend top, matching Pantaleggings, metal chain dress and Hourglass faux fur bag
From a logo-ed ID necklace to a ring reminiscent of that ’80s candy fad, Ring Pop, the costume jewellery is spiked with Balenciaga’s signature sardonic wit.
Metal chainmail tank top with sequins, brass choker and resin ring
Dresses are mostly designed to be slouchy and can be worn in more ways than one to create different silhouettes, encouraging re-wear, while all of the print bases applied have been certified sustainable.
Viscose-blend pussy-bow dress, Hourglass Stretch embossed leather top-handle bag, silicone bracelet (worn on ankle) and leather sandals
Introducing new forms of street-inspired jewellery: necklaces and bracelets made of rubber tags and irreverently chunky metal rings inspired by metal fasteners.
Silicone choker (top) and bronze ring (around screw)
Not-your-usual-kid’s-school-bag: Backpacks with oversized proportions in electric-coloured faux shearling.
Cotton asymmetrical shirt and faux fur backpack. Tights, stylist’s own
To streamline production and make it more sustainable-friendly, most pieces in the collection are unisex while 93.5 per cent of the plain materials used have either been certified sustainable or were upcycled.
Cotton shirt. matching shorts, Ville large leather tote and cotton slippers
Photography Stefan Khoo Styling Chia Wei Choong Styling Assistant Jasmine Ashvinkumar Grooming Clarence Lee Models Sibilla/Mannequin and Little Girl C
This article first appeared in the March 2021 No-Rules Edition of FEMALE