What is a Balenciaga?
Often referred to as “Balenciaga” or “Balenci” (Ba-leh-shee), the Spanish luxury footwear brand has earned its reputation for a unique look. Founded in 1917 by Cristobal Balenciaga, the label has expanded into handbags and accessories as well as ready-to-wear. It is currently owned by Kering, a French company that also owns Gucci, Alexander McQueen and Yves Saint Laurent. But the brand has become a lightning rod for controversy due to its provocative advertising campaigns.
Known for its sleek and innovative designs, the Balenciaga name has been on the cutting edge of the fashion industry for decades. From its early days as an avant garde fashion house, the brand has moved into the ready-to-wear arena. With the help of designer Demna Gvasalia, the house has earned an all-star status.
With Demna at the helm, the Balenciaga brand has re-invented classic styles to create new and innovative looks. This has included the introduction of the Speed Sock, which fits like a sock but features an articulated sole. The Speed Sock was a favorite of fashion influencers.
Another campaign, the Garde-Robe, took the form of an office setting. Bella Hadid, Isabelle Huppert and Nicole Kidman were the stars of the show. However, the campaign has garnered criticism for its portrayal of child pornography. At the time, the United States was under a Supreme Court ruling that protected children against illegal pornography. By putting copies of the ruling on the teddy bears in the Bondage costume, the brand hoped to convey the importance of protecting children from the pornographic nature of certain materials.
The company’s controversial marketing campaigns have also led to accusations of child exploitation. Kim Kardashian, for instance, wore body stockings by Balenciaga to the Met Gala. And the brand’s latest campaign – a holiday ad featuring children holding teddy bears in bondage harnesses – caused a huge uproar. In a press release, the company said that the campaign was an attempt to discourage counterfeiting and piracy, but its intent was unclear.
As the company’s Twitter account has revealed, it has been a frequent target for criticism from celebrities and media. Among the sex-related offenses are its alleged use of models for its gift shop campaign, its glamorization of violence against children and its refusal to delete posts from social media. Even the company’s own website has faced a backlash, with a trio of Christmas tree ornaments sold for $848 and a dog bowl with spikes for $848.
Although the Balenciaga name has been associated with high-end footwear, it has also become popular among celebrities and fashion editors. Alex Gerrard, a glossy magazine columnist, wears Balenciaga dresses. Meanwhile, Chloe Sevigny, a model and actress, has been seen wearing Balenciaga garments.
Balenciaga has relaunched its products in France, but has maintained most of its production in Italy. It recently announced that it will expand its leather goods production plant to Cerreto Guidi, west of Florence, allowing it to produce more accessories and handbags.