For his debut couture collection, Gvasalia also kept his eyes on the future of the art form and brought his trademark modern, streetwear edge. Denim and tracksuits walked alongside embellished gowns and long gloves, artfully combining the traditionally luxurious aesthetic of couture with zeitgeist-y street style.
However, it was ultimately the gender fluidity of Balenciaga’s newest collection that will cement this season in fashion history. In a space that has been dominated by traditional ideas of womenswear and femininity, the ultra-rarefied realm of haute couture has slowly started to include menswear. Each look that came down Gvasalia’s runway was bigger, bolder and more non-binary than the next.
Arguably the most anticipated show of the Fall 2021 couture season, the collection was shrouded in secrecy, with Balenciaga evenfeed ahead of the show. The excitement surrounding the re-introduction of Balenciaga couture is due primarily to the creativity and artistry of Gvasalia. While it is undoubtedly a momentous occasion opening the proverbial doors after its founder shut them in 1968, this expansion is a perfect example of how the designer has breathed new life into a legendary brand.