There is nothing mundane about Hollywood, as Demna reveals in his devotion to Hollywood. Balenciaga’s Pre-Fall 2024 show on Saturday included luxury versions of iconic LA accessories, like Erewhon bags, huge shades, and coffee cups.
Balenciaga took on Los Angeles for their Pre-Fall 2024 presentation Saturday. Demna seemed to ask, “What is the quintessential LA look?” As models strutted down the palm-tree-lined residential street, the answer was clear and familiar: gym bags, to-go coffee cups, tracksuits, massive sunglasses, and Erewhon bags.
Regardless of whether or not you’re from California, you’re probably aware of Erewhon– a healthy, expensive grocery store that’s blown up online over the past few years. Balenciaga hinted at their grocery store collaboration with energy bars as show invitations featuring Balenciaga nutrition facts. The invitation included a Balenciaga Hollywood sign and a taste of their new co-branded juice. The jet-black Balenciaga x Erewhon drink looks mysterious but is said to consist of organic apple, lemon, ginger, cinnamon, maple, and charcoal. Health conscious consumers and fashion lovers alike can purchase the limited-edition drink at all 10 LA Erewhon locations from Dec. 2-9th.
Above: Pre-Fall 2024 Collection.
The Erewhon Series also includes baseball caps, tee-shirts, zip-up hoodies, reusable nylon shopping bags, and aprons evocative of those worn by Erewhon employees. Erewhon x Balenciaga clothes and accessories range from $425 to $1,150.
The 77 runway looks scream LA fashion codes, alerting the VIP audience to their utopian lifestyle. Activities like hitting the gym and grabbing coffee inspire a to-go coffee cup clutch, leggings, bras, and early 2000s Paris Hilton-esque velour tracksuits. Knee-high Alaska boots ignite feelings of effortless celebrity outings.
Elegant evening gowns balance out the nonchalant activewear looks but are equally as Hollywood. Although he paved his own streetwear-oriented path for the brand, Demna didn’t abandon traditional Balenciaga house codes. A high-collar white wedding dress and boxy tuxedo coat are reminiscent of Cristobal Balenciaga’s silhouettes. Patent leather Bustier Knot Dresses in white and black evoke bedding joined at the chest. Keeping with the brand’s see now, buy now policy, everything from the runway became available on Balenciaga’s website and in stores immediately after the show.
From Left To Right: Hari Nef,
Moses Sumney,
Eva Longoria and Kendall Jenner.
Presenting in LA was a first for Balenciaga but a clever strategy on Demna’s part. Balenciaga enjoys an abundance of LA-based star clients, notably the Kardashians. Due to the location, even more celebrities attended the show than usual. Cole Sprouse sported the iconic Balenciaga towel skirt. Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Salma Hayek, and Rachel Sennot all showed up sporting the classic Balenciaga black. Nicole Kidman, who was announced as the new Balenciaga ambassador about an hour before the show, sat front row in a black velvet coat dress. Cardi B even surprised the audience by closing out the show in an oversized blue fur coat for her runway debut.Demna delivered realness to a city drowning in the dream life. The idealistic collection is fit for making a sunny, luxurious fantasy come true.
Homepage: Nicole Kidman. Top page left to right: Tracee Ellis Ross, Brooklyn Beckham and Nicole Peltz, Kim Khardashian. All images courtesy of Balenciaga.
