Key facts
- Pierpaolo Piccioli's debut Balenciaga couture collection was unveiled in Paris.
- The designs incorporated Balenciaga's signature architectural shapes and Piccioli's vibrant color sensibility.
- Key looks included airy dresses and trousers, reflecting a modern approach to couture.
- The collection aimed to balance historical couture techniques with contemporary wearability.
- Silvana Armani also presented her latest Armani Privé collection, emphasizing trouser suits.
Pierpaolo Piccioli has presented his inaugural haute couture collection for Balenciaga, a house known for its serious approach to high fashion and its founder Cristóbal Balenciaga's emphasis on architectural silhouettes.
Piccioli, who brings 25 years of experience from Valentino, approached the collection with respect for Balenciaga's heritage, drawing inspiration from historical designs, Spanish Golden Age art, and sculptures by Hepworth. The collection featured organic cocoon curves and bell shapes, designed to stand proud of the body and allow for air circulation, a concept that proved particularly appealing during a Parisian heatwave.
The designs were characterized by a vibrant color palette, including ultraviolet, aniseed, and lavender, and a modern sensibility. Trousers were a significant element, presented in embellished and voluminous styles, reflecting Piccioli's desire to make couture feel less distant from reality. Modern technology, such as 3D body scanning, is set to be integrated into the bespoke tailoring process, though Piccioli stressed that the technique should remain invisible, preserving the "magic" of the garment.
In parallel, Silvana Armani, niece of Giorgio Armani, showcased her second Armani Privé haute couture collection. Continuing the brand's legacy of elegant restraint, her designs featured a notable number of trouser suits, reflecting her personal style and a gentle evolution of the house's aesthetic.