<\/span> <\/span>Under the creative direction of Demna Gvasalia, who took over in 2015, Balenciaga has gained further recognition for its unconventional and daring approach to fashion. Gvasalia is known for challenging fashion norms and creating avant-garde designs that blur the lines between high fashion and streetwear. Balenciaga’s collections have been characterised by oversized silhouettes, exaggerated proportions, and unexpected combinations of materials.<\/p>\n Photo: Courtesy of VOGUE (Photo: Malick Bodian)<\/a> <\/p>\n <\/span> <\/span>However, a recent advertising campaign featuring children dressed in bondage-associated costumes sparked controversy for the brand and its designer, Gvasalia. In the aftermath, Balenciaga has worked to restore opinion and is now making a subtle comeback into the public eye as witnessed in the brand’s 52nd couture presentation at their Parisian salon with Eliza Douglas gracefully showcased a gleaming, chrome-laminated 3D-printed bell-skirted suit of armour.<\/span><\/p>\n The fusion of fashion and technology has emerged as an enthralling realm of exploration for brands in recent years. During Paris Fashion Week’s Spring Summer 2023 show, the renowned Parisian fashion brand Coperni utilised Fabrican’s sprayable, liquid fibre to create a dress directly on Bella Hadid’s body. This unique process revolutionises the traditional approach to garment creation, challenging the boundaries of what is possible in fashion. It opens up exciting opportunities for designers to experiment with new forms, materials, and techniques, fostering an avant-garde and futuristic aesthetic.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span> <\/span>For Balenciaga, through the 52nd couture presentation, has utilised technology in its manufacturing processes as the brand has embraced 3D printing technology to create intricate and avant-garde designs. This technology allows for the production of complex shapes and structures that may not be achievable through traditional manufacturing methods. The use of 3D printing enables Balenciaga to explore new horizons of design, creating unconventional pieces that blend high fashion with technology.<\/p>\n Photo: Courtesy of Hypebeast<\/a> <\/p>\n <\/span> <\/span>The Armoured Dress evoked a sense of a wedding gown intertwined with the attributes of traditional armour. It was crafted using computer-aided design and 3D printing techniques, resulting in a sleek, lustrous chrome exterior. Concealed within its intricate construction was a layer of black flock, reminiscent of the interior of a jewellery box.<\/p>\n <\/span> <\/span>The show notes explained the collection as a “tribute to pursuing perfection, which while impossible, is always in the mind of the couturier.”<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span> <\/span>Gvasalia finds solace in amalgamating human creativity with technology, deriving inspiration from imperfections. The dress exudes an aura of protection, serving as a potential sanctuary for the thoughts of its creator. In this regard, it can be seen as Gvasalia’s introspection materialised through his artistic endeavours.<\/p>\n ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.koktailmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/40fd736f34f680a3ab41045625539eb7.png\")
<\/figure>\nThe Intersection of Fashion and Technology<\/h1>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.koktailmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/f4a81c1a0d51032106ac9d57977a947d.png\")
<\/figure>\nThe Making of the Armoured Dress<\/h1>\n
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