BALENCIAGA: BACK TO COUTURE IN JULY

Balenciaga has announced it will go back to couture some 52 years after Cristóbal Balenciaga, the Spanish founder of the legendary house, shuttered his Atelier in 1968. Creative Director Demna Gvasalia will present his first couture collection in July during Paris Haute Couture. If on one hand the announcement has kindled curiosity and interest from potential new young clients, on the many other many wonder how Gvasalia, who is known for his buzzy cult sneakers and sexy, luxe take on streetwear, will interpret the exclusive, rarefied couture world. Balenciaga, whose sales continue to balloon impressively, crossing the billion-dollar mark, will be the first fashion house in the Kering portfolio to return to couture. Reportedly the fashion house will create a dedicated team and an atelier like the original salons housed in Balenciaga’s historical address at 10 Avenue George V.