Balenciaga

Alexander Wang’s Balenciaga debut used a strict black-and-white palette to concentrate attention on cocoon backs, rounded shoulders, scalloped edges and moulded peplums. Cracked-marble intarsia and silver wire footwear referred to the Avenue George V interiors while bringing a harder New York surface to the archive. The collection was cautious by design, but its restraint established a competent transition after Ghesquière’s abrupt exit.