For a few seasons, I’ve overheard conversations about Balenciaga under Demna’s direction and the lack of creativity in recent collections. Once celebrated as a fearless innovator and a visionary of the late 2010s and early 20s, who steered Vetements and later Balenciaga through numerous controversies while reshaping what modern luxury meant, Demna had gotten into a bit of a rut,. Under his direction, Balenciaga released a ton of celebrated sneakers, collaborations, bold silhouettes and stunning gowns. The Fall 2025 collection however, brings a new fresh perspective on the talent he was recognised for - the front and centre innovation, the bags, the oversized but wearable silhouettes and the dramatic storytelling.
From cocoon-shaped gowns evoking Balenciaga’s original house codes to an audacious collaboration with Lamborghini, the collection reaffirms Demna’s place among the most compelling designers of our time. Presented as a stripped-back visual study, the collection unveils its designs through iPhone-shot, watermarked images posted on Demna’s social media—a cheeky nod to the ubiquity of digital culture and the blurred lines between high fashion and everyday life.
Key pieces like the Cocoon maxi dress in black jersey and its polar opposite—a bodycon white T-shirt minidress—illustrate the collection’s theme of extremes. This dichotomy extends across the line-up: voluminous maxi skirts versus micro-minis, padded slippers versus stripped-down clip-on soles, and garments marked “Brand New With Tags” juxtaposed with ultra-destroyed pieces.
Demna’s commitment to architectural silhouettes shines through monolithic creations like the Semi-Fitted maxi coat in chunky wool gabardine and a flowing Old Hollywood-inspired kaftan in viscose jersey. The collection's understated elegance is underscored by austere tailoring and fabrics repurposed to challenge perceptions of luxury.
The Lamborghini Collaboration
Arguably the most buzzworthy element of the collection is Balenciaga’s partnership with Lamborghini. This capsule blends automotive aesthetics with high fashion, delivering standout pieces like leather racing jackets, co-branded tees featuring the 2025 Lamborghini Temerario, and a driver’s manual-inspired clutch. Accessories, including key fob charms and Shield-emblazoned bags, further drive home the concept.
The collection masterfully straddles worlds, appealing to both fashion devotees and auto enthusiasts. From leather bombers to sweatpants and statement jewellery, the collaboration is a fitting tribute to the daring innovation that both brands represent.
Footwear Reinvented
Demna’s reinvention extends to footwear with styles that balance function and flair. Highlights include Balenciaga | Scholl heels featuring orthopaedic cork footbeds, velvet Château slippers, and anatomic five-toe runners with elasticated uppers. The Zero shoe, with its ultralight 3-D moulded sole, distils footwear to its essence, mimicking the feeling of being barefoot.
Other striking options include distressed “prom guy” loafers, tubular knit cuissardes with padded footbeds, and poulaine stiletto boots with whimsically upturned toes.
Accessories and the Final Flourishes
Eyewear and handbags complete the collection, offering bold, utilitarian designs. From the mono-hinge Afterhour sunglasses to the Superbusy double-layered frames, the collection reflects Demna’s flair for statement-making accessories.
Bags, meanwhile, feature inside-out constructions and distressed finishes. The Lamborghini collaboration takes centre stage with dashboard clutches adorned with license-plate motifs and key fob charms, merging functionality with the allure of luxury.
The Fall 2025 collection is a study in Demna’s ability to challenge norms while staying rooted in Balenciaga’s storied heritage. It marries comfort with couture, humor with sophistication, and innovation with tradition. For those who doubted, this collection serves as a resounding reminder: Demna is not done innovating.
As fashion continues to grapple with its relationship to technology, sustainability, and cultural relevance, Balenciaga’s Fall 2025 collection is more than a showcase—it’s a statement. Demna invites us to see beauty in the unexpected and to embrace the contradictions that define the modern wardrobe.
