Creativity as the New Luxury: Demna’s Vision Shines in Shanghai
Balenciaga’s Spring 2025 collection in Shanghai masterfully blended avant-garde aesthetics with market acumen, reaffirming Demna’s belief that creativity is the ultimate form of luxury. This show marked Balenciaga’s first in China, highlighting both innovative design and strategic brilliance.
Last March, just before his Fall 2024 Balenciaga runway show in Paris, Demna shared a message that perfectly encapsulated his design philosophy. Accessible through a QR code in his collection notes, he declared, “What seems truly rare and infinite right now is creativity itself. I believe that creativity has secretly become a new form of luxury.” This statement embodies Demna’s view of luxury as a self-expressive playground rather than a rigidly defined, opulent space—a perspective that has driven his success at Balenciaga over the past nine years.
In recent months, Demna has been reemphasizing his core values through his collections. Beginning in October 2023, he has showcased a series of shows featuring his signature elements: a punkish, provocative attitude and distinctive padded shoulders. However, Demna is always evolving. His latest Spring 2025 runway show (technically Resort 2025), held last night in Shanghai, is a testament to his dynamism. Despite having more store locations in China than anywhere else, this marked Balenciaga’s first show in the country—a project years in the making.
Unveiled on a rainy night at the imposing Museum of Art Pudong, the Shanghai collection showcased Demna’s intellectually curious exploration of Balenciaga’s house codes and his twisted take on classic glamour. Demna’s affinity for reality shows was evident, as the collection seemed fit for the cast of Netflix’s *Bling Empire*, whether in L.A. or on the streets of Shanghai. The runway featured hourglass skirts, billowy pussy-bow blouses paired with slinky open-toe heels and white tube socks, and ripped-fabric pantaboots. Cropped and bulky trenches, along with cocooning faux-fur coats, exuded an “I’m expensive” vibe, paired with an aura of nonchalance. True to Demna’s style, elements of tackiness were rendered sharp through perfect tailoring and distinct lines.
Men’s fashion was prominently featured, alongside the reveal of a new collaboration between Balenciaga and Under Armour. The viral pièce de résistance was the triple-layer brick-size flatform boot, inspired by Shanghai’s towering skyscrapers, set to become a must-have for Demna’s most dedicated followers.
The couture looks that closed the show were particularly magical, especially those crafted from upcycled materials. The pink gown that concluded the event was made from decade-old plastic bags, hand-cut into strips and fastened with wire to mimic feathers. A sleeveless draped dress was fashioned from gold-foil gift packaging, while two other pieces utilized Tyvek paper and collected travel bags. Another standout was the “black velvet jewelry display dress,” exactly as described, catering to those who appreciate luxury with a side of eccentricity.
Demna’s affection for Shanghai and his customer base there was palpable, and this show was the result of years of meticulous planning. However, despite his elevated creative vision, Demna remains a pragmatist. The luxury market in Asia continues to expand, and staging a high-profile show in China is a savvy business move. Demna excels at balancing creative integrity with commercial viability, a quality that makes him an exceptional artistic director and visionary. Whether in Shanghai or elsewhere, he designs clothes that provoke thought and evoke emotion—qualities that transcend monetary value.
Balenciaga’s Spring 2025 collection in Shanghai was more than a fashion show; it was a narrative woven with threads of creativity, luxury, and cultural dialogue. Demna’s ability to blend avant-garde aesthetics with a deep understanding of market dynamics ensures that Balenciaga remains at the forefront of fashion innovation. This show not only celebrated the brand’s heritage but also underscored its relevance in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving fashion landscape.
Demna’s latest collection for Balenciaga was a brilliant showcase of his philosophy that creativity is the ultimate luxury. By combining bold, thought-provoking designs with a keen sense of market strategy, he continues to push the boundaries of fashion. The Shanghai show was a testament to his visionary approach, highlighting that true luxury lies in the ability to innovate and inspire, making us think and feel in ways that transcend the material.