By incorporating these typically feminine shoes into the men’s wardrobe, the brand intends to push the boundaries of gender.
They are called Léopold and range from 39 to 46. Balenciaga, under the artistic direction of Demna, has just launched satin ballerinas with a round vamp with a small bow. The Italian-made shoe comes in black, beige and cyan colors and has a worn effect; a coquettishness dear to the brand that made headlines not long ago with a pair of near-ruined sneakers. If the model bears this (pre)name, it probably refers to Léopold Duchemin, a creative consultant who works with Demna and is known to wear ballet flats with his jeans. For the first time, the boots in the mud and darkness of the Spring/Summer 2023 show are now available on Balenciaga’s website for €750.
The dark and muddy Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2023 ready-to-wear show. (Paris, October 2, 2023). Imaxtree:
The brand isn’t the only one showing off the unisex side of the model. Dries Van Noten has already included ballet flats with sporty and masculine lines in his spring-summer 2020 show. In the same year, Jil Sander’s models walked the catwalk with a delicate version of the legs. Other brands such as Comme des Garçons, Lemaire, Ana Marttin or Bode also imagine ballet flats for men’s wardrobes. Not forgetting Repetto, the flagship brand in the field, which also offers a men’s range. THE: ballet core, This fashionable aesthetic, consisting of the adoption of classical dance codes, is thus essential even among men.
Cross the boundaries
Asap Rockin Gucci Fall/Winter 2023-2024 for ready-to-wear shows. (Milan, February 24, 2023) Daniele Venturelli – Getty Images
Furthermore, the boundaries between men’s and women’s fashion tend to disappear from Balenciaga’s collections. Thus, Demna confided to WWD magazine three years ago. (…) I would like to somehow erase gender identification from fashion, which will be only for women.”
Balenciaga, which recently faced unprecedented controversy over its campaign featuring children, has taught its public a few extravagances, namely bags with packets of chips, other styles of “garbage bags” or heeled Crocs. Recently, the brand has shown its desire to refocus on the essentials, clothing, and apparently intends to push its normative boundaries. The bet seems to be a success, with only one example of each color of Leopold ballerinas left on the site. 46 size.
In the video, Balenciaga’s spring-summer 2023 show provided an opportunity for Demna to advocate for a more down-to-earth fashion.
Source: Le Figaro
