Innovative volume in the SS17 collection from Balenciaga

Vetements designer Demna Gvasalia, who was born in Georgia and studied in
Antwerp, unveiled his in March to much

in March to much critical acclaim. Gvasalia showed classic plaid dresses, suits with exaggerated 80s styled shoulders and oversized hip forms.

A photo posted by Balenciaga (@balenciaga) on Jun 22, 2016 at 8:01am
PDT

For the men’s collection for Spring/Summer 2017 Gvasalia made use of the
same classic checkered fabric and disproportionately shoulder pads seen in
its women’s wear counterpart. However, unlike the woman’s wear looks, in
which volume was used to define and exaggerate the female silhouette,
volume in the men’s collection was used in a mostly straightforward way and
suit jackets were boxy and linear.

The Georgian designer also presented very body-fitting suits which gave the
appearance of being pre-shrunken in the washing machine. Tight fitting and
cropped trousers were complimented by coloured ankle boots with
a wedged heel, while shorts were kitted out with knee-high
boots. Standout accessories from the collection included belt chains and
brightly coloured leather bags which were reminiscent of Balenciaga’s
earlier nylon, shopping ikea bags. The collection also made subtle
references to the cap and bomber jackets.

The final models to walk the catwalk carried more of an androgynous look,
wearing baroque inspired costumes, or only certain parts of the three-piece
suits, such as the waistcoat.