Fashion just got a whole lot more complicated—and we’re here for it. Pierpaolo Piccioli’s latest Balenciaga collection, 'Body and Being,' is a bold experiment that blurs the lines between formal and casual wear, leaving us all wondering: Can we really have it all? But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a genius fusion of styles or a chaotic clash of ideologies? Let’s dive in.
In his second collection as Balenciaga’s creative director—and his first to include menswear—Piccioli takes us on a journey through the archives, reimagining Cristóbal Balenciaga’s timeless elegance for the modern, on-the-go individual. The lookbook stars a diverse cast of actors, artists, musicians, and models, like Alice Da Luz, Laufey, and Juyeon, showcasing how sculptural peacoats pair effortlessly with Lycra sets, and sequined skirts find their place at the gym. It’s a world where leather jackets meet denim cutoffs, and opera gloves become everyday accessories. As the press release boldly states, the goal is to bring ‘occasion to the everyday.’ But is this a dream come true or a sartorial nightmare? You decide.
Piccioli’s vision builds on his debut collection, which paid homage to Balenciaga’s legacy while pushing boundaries with refined yet provocative shapes. This time, he doubles down on contradictions, proving that Cristóbal’s eveningwear masterpieces can inspire casual wear. Take, for instance, the nod to the 1966 winter collection’s dramatic hood, reimagined as a modern hat with a slightly extended bill. Or the car coats that echo Cristóbal’s iconic cocoon shapes—a subtle yet powerful tribute. And this is the part most people miss: a leather bomber jacket inspired by 1960s formal capes, blending eras in a single piece.
But here’s the twist: Piccioli doesn’t stop at high fashion. He introduces ProBody, a second-skin performance fabric that’s moisture-wicking, breathable, and antibacterial, pairing it with sequined coats and supersized sneakers. The NBA collaboration? A slam dunk. T-shirts, tracksuits, and varsity jackets in leather, nylon, and Japanese denim play with the NBA’s electric blue, scarlet, and white, all while nodding to Balenciaga’s signature black. Each piece bears the number 10, a tribute to the house’s historic address. ‘Sport expresses values like excellence and respect,’ Piccioli says. But does it belong on the runway? That’s up for debate.
For those who prefer heels over sneakers, Balenciaga’s collaboration with Manolo Blahnik steals the show. Low-heeled mules and slingbacks in silk satin, adorned with crystals, are a nod to Cristóbal’s timeless elegance. ‘He’s the ultimate designer,’ Blahnik gushes. Meanwhile, in-house footwear includes ballet sneakers (perfect for commuters) and loafers with a cushioned Lycra interior. Even the iconic Le City bag gets a modern update, alongside the new Le7 tote and—wait for it—a Balenciaga fitness mat. Because why not?
The result? A post-quiet-luxury statement that captures the chaos of our times. We want formality, but we crave comfort. Piccioli’s solution? Merge them. But does it work? Some say it’s a masterpiece, threading the needle between Demna’s edge and Cristóbal’s elegance. Others call it a confusing mash-up. What do you think? Is this the future of fashion, or a step too far? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
