As with any other trend, the end of streetwear was inevitable. In recent seasons, designers have been going back to more sophistication and tailoring, leaving behind the oversized t-shirts and bulky sneakers. None, however, made a more dramatic shift than Demna Gvasalia. This designer is credited for having been the pioneer of high fashion streetwear, first with his own label Vetements, and when he became the new creative director for Balenciaga. For the latter’s Resort 2019 collection, he made it crystal clear that it’s time to go back to old-school haute couture techniques. In this line, the outerwear was tailored to perfection, bringing about the classic shapes of Cristobal Balenciaga but reinterpreted with Gvasalia’s signature pragmatic approach to fashion. Hints of his already-iconic hourglass silhouette from Spring 2019 were also present. As usual, Gvasalia had a message to convey with his clothes and accessories, and this season, it’s all about inclusivity in the face of political divisiveness. His flag imagery touched upon the subject of immigration, while some bags touting the transgender flag showed solidarity with the community. These were strong messages from such a solid offering, and as fashion goes back to its roots, brands like Balenciaga are determined to push the narrative forward.
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Photo: Courtesy of Balenciaga
