BALENCIAGA’s 19 winter campaign see’s Paris as the inspiration. You will see the two separate entities of Paris; the reality of work, day to day life and holiday, intertwined with the dream worthy romanticised nostalgia, throughout the cuts and styles of the collection. You will see a line cuts, and structure as the base of the day wear to represent the everyday Parisian life of a true local, matched with striking cuts and fabrics with print for the evening wear; to represent the spontaneity. Both seeing the importance of practicality and comfort at the forefront. The campaign sees’ real couples at real Paris locations in both video and shoots that will be presented both in person and in print worldwide. 

This season pushes the concept that structure of one’s outfit creates a theme, a motif, a representation. In Balenciaga’s winter 19 collection it is presenting Paris in its truest form paired with comfort and the ability to go from casual to evening Parisian chic. We see a portrayal of the traits of a Parisian local. Shown throughout the collection with cuts and shapes to represent day to day life in Paris; such as A-line, Patterns are replications of the daily actives: food shopping, riding a motor cycle around the city. Day wear is the portrayal of the concept of house wear being able to be worn outside; with kimonos and robes, easy and comforting fabrics and oversized kaftan shirts all with the ability to be worn all day after having had a long and adventures night. Opposing this the evening wear see’s being able to wear it all night long, portraying this Parisian life of spontaneity with an ease as you’ve had a long day, with dresses with many strappings; similar to a trench coat with nothing underneath, silhouettes, comfort is furthered with a kaftan shirt with a matching maxi skirt. This keeps the theme, but with use of fabrics like silk it brings in a more elegant and ‘party’ style. 

Re constructed maxi dresses are turned into baby doll styles creating a young hip, fun style with graffiti of a person falling asleep at a party; delving more into same theme of ‘long days and long nights’.  

There is a use of Atypical materials; which represents this resourceful intention of the wearer, through Knitwear hidden in Tweed knee length skirts and fake leather. This shows the ability to go out in comfort yet look styled. Furthermore the collection the theme of the classic mixed with the new is seen even with new and old logos both being used, together. 

This collection overall sees Dramatic balanced with practicality, with the constant essence and feel of Paris. 

Written by ANNA SPROUL 

Edited by KAREN YABUTA