Balenciaga by Demna

It’s fitting that the Balenciaga by Demna exhibition is mounted in a church, given the brand has turned into a religion, with its followers worshipping every collection. The exhibition, housed in the Kering headquarters, on the rue de Sevres on the Left Bank, is mounted in the chapel of a former hospital complex from 1634.

It celebrates designer Demna Gvasalia, who in the last 10 years, 2015 to 2025. has transformed Balenciaga into a cutting edge, powerhouse design studio, turning the former couturier Cristobal Balenciaga’s classic, feminine, silhouettes on their head. A cross shaped, long, narrow runway displays 101 pieces curated by Demna, from dresses, to shoes, to show invitations, and to accessories. In a bit of a cacophony, each piece has a personal commentary by Demna, and they overlap each other as you follow the exhibit. Demna didn’t entirely throw out the fashion baby with the bathwater, as there was a collection of stunningly crafted, super feminine, couture ball gowns that still embodied Cristobal Balenciaga’s legacy.

I’m guessing the exhibition is also a farewell for Demna, who was snapped up by Gucci to become its creative director.

The show is only on tomorrow and Wednesday, July 8 and 9, so make sure to see it before it closes.

Admission is free but you must sign up on their website to reserve a time.

https://exposition.balenciaga.com/en/demna