"Boy Wonder" Miranda Kerr by Nicole Bentley for Vogue Australia July 2014
Siri Tollerød (wearing Balenciaga) in "No Swimming" by Camille Vivier for Numéro #94 June/July 2008
"Field Day" Miu Miu and Balenciaga dresses photographed by Craig McDean for W February 2014
Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2014
"I want to bring ease into the DNA and codes of the house that I'm working with."
With cropped tops and jackets, and athletic-cut shorts, Alexander Wang's hand was apparent in his second ready-to-wear collection for Balenciaga. However, also apparent were the outside influences. While Wang admitted to referencing the archive of Cristóbal Balenciaga, the aesthetic of designers like the label's former creative director Nicolas Ghesquière, and Raf Simons, were also present.
It's a monumental step away from the architectural marbled pieces Wang sent out last season for his debut collection, certainly. Florals, pastels, ruffles—it's all very "spring." No doubt the collection will experience commercial success, but it would be nice to see Wang circle back to the more inventive and edgy aesthetic everyone fell for last season.
Nicolas Ghesquière, the former creative director of Balenciaga, is being sued by the label for $9.2 million for a breach of contract.
Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2013
Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2006
Daria Werbowy in "V Loves Daria" by Bruce Weber for V #36 Fall 2005
Caroline Brasch Nielsen in Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2013
Liya Kebede in Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2013
Melissa Tammerijn in "A New Glow" by Victor Demarchelier for Vogue España April 2013
Gertrud Hegelund in "Daylight" by Txeme Yeste for Marie Claire Italia April 2013
Kasia Struss in "Asset Management" by Craig McDean for Vogue April 2013
Lindsey Wixson in "Objects of Desire" by Katja Rahlwes for Vogue China Collections Spring/Summer 2013
Devon Aoki at Balenciaga Fall/Winter 1998
Finale at Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2013
Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2013