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Pierpaolo Piccioli presented his Spring–Summer 2026 collection as the new Creative Director of Balenciaga, marking one of the most anticipated moments of Paris Fashion Week. His debut officially ends months of speculation about how he would steer the historic maison founded by Cristóbal Balenciaga, setting a tone that blends heritage and reinvention.
Piccioli’s proposal merges archival references from the 1950s with subtle nods to Demna’s influence, all while asserting his own romantic and color-driven aesthetic. His signature elements—fringes, feathers, floral appliqués,and vibrant hues—infuse the lineup with a sense of poetic exuberance, creating a dialogue between past and present.
The show opened with silhouettes evoking both Cristóbal’s refined femininity and Demna’s urban edge. The iconic 1957 sack dress appeared reinterpreted, styled with oversized black sunglasses reminiscent of Demna’s darker, “villain-like” silhouettes. Throughout the runway, minimalist dresses and relaxed T-shirts contrasted with voluminous coats, textured skirts, and fluid evening pieces. A bold color palette—from intense violet and lime green to crimson red and lavender—was enriched by shimmering fringes, ruffled blooms, and iridescent plumes.
Balancing couture precision with accessibility, the collection also included casual elements such as washed denim, platform sandals, and leather handbags, including a renewed version of the iconic City Bag. Each piece reinforced Piccioli’s intent to honor Balenciaga’s lineage—from Cristóbal to Demna and Nicolas Ghesquière—while infusing it with his own humanist and romantic sensibility.
With this collection, Piccioli opens a new chapter for the house, one defined by ornamental richness, chromatic saturation, and a deep respect for tradition. The result is a confident fusion of legacy and modernity, setting a promising direction for Balenciaga’s future.
Ph. Isidore Montag/ Gorunway.com