Balenciaga is currently presenting the exhibition Les Subtilités d’un Dialogue at the historic Laennec landmark in Paris, open to the public from September 21st to 22nd, 2024. This exhibition marks the first time designs by current creative director Demna are showcased alongside archival creations by the house’s legendary founder, Cristóbal Balenciaga. The display invites visitors to explore the shared aesthetic vision between the two designers, highlighting their use of architectural forms, exaggerated volumes, and monochromatic palettes.
Divided into six thematic sections—including The Collar, The Sleeve, and The Hourglass Waist—the exhibition offers a detailed look at how both designers redefine fashion codes. Visitors can observe iconic pieces, such as a 2022 hooded sweatshirt alongside a 1962 houndstooth coat, emphasizing the continuity and evolution of the Balenciaga silhouette over time. A circular display of monochrome black garments made from materials like velvet and neoprene further accentuates the dialogue between past and present.
In addition to fashion, the exhibition also includes a unique selection of contemporary art presented by the Pinault Collection in the chapel, offering a broader exploration of space and form. Balenciaga’s exhibition showcases the brand’s enduring influence on global fashion and offers a rare opportunity to see how its heritage continues to inspire innovation today.
All photography courtesy of BALENCIAGA
