Show review in a line: Balenciaga’s strong and uncompromising debut in Shanghai, China Designer: Demna Location: Museum of Art, Pudong The vision: It was only a matter of time before Balenciaga made its runway debut in the electric city of Shanghai. Chinese fashion aficionados have long showed an appreciation for Demna’s vision and the relationship runs deeper than most might realise. Alongside the creative director’s arsenal of generation-defying silhouettes (think: chunky sneakers, razor sharp heels and asymmetrical shirting) comes a legion of fans who have all but reinforced them.
In the hub that is China, Demna’s tongue-in-cheek and unrelenting vision has found an even more rule-defying pocket to revel in. The vibe: Marking Demna’s first show in Asia, the brand’s cruise 2025 show was nothing short of what we have come to expect—unpredictable, unapologetic and uncompromising. Hosted on a rooftop adjacent to the Museum of Art Pudong, showgoers—amongst them Balenciaga favourites such as Michelle Yeoh and Juyeon of The Boyz—were perched under inky black umbrellas as they braved a sudden but rather characteristic thunderstorm.
As the rain blanketed the runway, the skyline was lit by buildings brandished with the Balenciaga brand—a theme for the entirety of the occasion as guests were given BB-embossed win win cakes and earlier in the day, were treated to grey xiao long baos in Balenciaga containers at the Nu Xiang Mu Dou restaurant. What to shop from the co.
