It’s one of the hottest dates on the couture calendar, and the Balenciaga show did not disappoint. On 6 July, the runway, which was located at the brand’s original 1937 couture atelier near the Champs-Élysées in Paris, was not only awash with some of the world’s top models, but a group of familiar faces were on the catwalk with them.
Rumours had been rife that Kim Kardashian would be involved in the show, as her love of the brand is no secret. She became the face of the label in February and has been wearing the designer’s garb around Paris, so it was not a big surprise that Kardashian took to the catwalk for longtime friend Demna Gvasalia at his second couture show as creative director.
Wearing a tight, gloved black top complete with a sweetheart neckline, black pantaleggings, and a silk draped maxi skirt, the reality star oozed top-to-toe glamour. And some of her biggest fans were on the front row, too. Mum Kris Jenner was quick to pull out her phone to take snaps while Kardashian’s 9-year-old daughter, North West, sat watching as she continues to emerge as a fashion star in her own right.
But the celeb spotting didn’t stop there. Dua Lipa strutted along the catwalk wearing a canary-yellow ruched asymmetrical minidress that had a dramatic train running behind her. Teamed with sheer black tights, patent stilettos, and opera gloves, Lipa’s hair was swept back into a low ponytail to let the dress do all the talking.
“Selling Sunset”‘s Christine Quinn ensured she was centre stage in a silver sparkly minidress with a train attached, while Nicole Kidman followed later in a silver one-shoulder gown, expertly gathered for a flattering silhouette. Kidman’s train was attached to the waist as she was styled with opera gloves, tights, and stilettos. Her red hair was left tousled and wavy as her husband, Keith Urban, watched from the front row.
Bella Hadid wore a green strapless dress with a bow on the front and a deceptive hemline that was longer at the front and mini at the back. And later fashion royalty Naomi Campbell gave a masterclass in couture modelling as she manoeuvred a voluminous black gown with a huge structured collar through the doorways along the runway.
There was a strong focus on sustainability, with over a quarter of the collection made from upcycled items. Neoprene and face shields opened the show then made way for coated fabrics and luxe draping displaying highly technical craftsmanship. The show finale came in the form of a wedding dress. The dramatic gown was made with 250 metres of tulle that used 70,000 crystals, 80,000 silver leaves, and 200,000 sequins.
Offset, Emily Ratajkowski, and Tracee Ellis Ross were just some of the other names sitting on the frow at the star-studded show. It’s no mean feat for a fashion label to bag Oscar-winning actors, international superstars, and music moguls at the same time, which just reaffirms the brand’s ability to pave the way for groundbreaking fashion moments.
Ahead, see celebrities who attended — and modelled in — the show.
Tagged: Balenciaga, Bella Hadid, Christine Quinn, dua lipa, Kim Kardashian, Naomi Campbell, Nicole Kidman, Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week