DEMNA TAKES A FINAL BOW AT BALENCIAGA, KIM KARDASHIAN WALKS COUTURE RUNWAY

After nearly a decade at the helm, Demna closed his chapter at Balenciaga today as creative director. The brand’s couture show’s is one that typically sparks controversy and spectacle, but today, it opted for sartorial precision as a quiet finale to an otherwise loud era. It followed the self-curated resume exhibition that showcased 101 pieces that defined his time at the house. 

The collection opened with sculptural tailoring: boxy shoulders paired with wasp-waist coats and dramatic floor-grazing outwear. Draped across luxe fabrics like houndstooth wool, crepe de chine, and faux fur, these final pieces gave what most would call his most tame. “These were real clothes, not just statements,” said a fashion insider. 

After years of pushing Balenciaga to the cultural forefront, the final couture run suggested a soft landing. One that appreciates the maison’s tradition within Demna’s disruptive journey, perhaps the strongest statement he could make as the baton is passed to Pierpaolo Piccioli, who is set to debut in October, and as he makes his way to Gucci as its new creative director.

Along with the grandeur of Demna’s curtain call was a special appearance by long time ambassador and friend of the house Kim Kardashian. She walked the runway in a satin slip dress edged with lace along with a matching faux-fur coat as an homage to Elizabeth Taylor in the 1958 film “Cat On A Hot Tin Roof,’ while also wearing the late actress’ previously owned earrings auctioned at $374,500. Other attendees were Nicole Kidman, Michelle Yeoh, and Isabelle Rupert who all occupied the front row.