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Can Balenciaga Modernise Couture?

Reviving Balenciaga’s haute couture operation has been a transformative experience for Demna Gvasalia, resulting in a democratic, gender-fluid collection that includes jeans and t-shirts. The designer sits down with Tim Blanks for an in-depth interview on the label’s ‘50th couture collection.’
Balenciaga artistic director Demna Gvasalia. BFRND.
Designer Demna Gvasalia is reviving Balenciaga’s haute couture operation. BFRND.
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BoF PROFESSIONAL

As quantum physics is to science, haute couture is to fashion. It exists in a higher realm, fosters more elevated thinking. Some acolytes might even say there’s a spiritual element. Cristóbal Balenciaga certainly believed so. The devoutly Catholic couturier sought transcendence in his work, believing he could get closer to God in the perfection of his craft.

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About the author
Tim Blanks
Tim Blanks

Tim Blanks is Editor-at-Large at The Business of Fashion. He is based in London and covers designers, fashion weeks and fashion’s creative class.

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