On the Way to the Top Again or Total Flop? Has Balenciaga made it right?
As you may or may not know, Balenciaga has had a rough run these past few seasons due to scandal. That is not to say that the brand has had a successful career, but it is difficult to truly tell if they will ever fully redeem themselves. All the hot gossip could be fact or rumour depending on your own perspective of the situation. For fact, what we do know for now is that the brand is starting at the bottom with few fans and little expression. Paris fashion week was an example of the brands attempt to show condolences to those offended. The only issue with this is that such a scandle can be unforgivable with both the fashion industry and the audience they have let down.
What do YOU think of the situation after their recent debut at Paris Fashion Week?
- Are you a firm believer in second chances?
- Meh, I don’t care for the drama!
- What’s done is done, such a tragedy but it’s for the best.
Let’s Talk!
Second chance: I can see where you’re coming from. It is difficult to have a say when we don’t know the full story. Things might have gotten misinterpreted as well as the media twisting what really happened to come out much worse. (Yes I know we are the media too, but we are better.)
Avoid drama: You're not special, and you secretly love it, don't lie.
End of an era: I see this point of view as it sets a boundary as to how far fashion can go. Once it gets out of hand as Balenciaga did it is difficult to fully trust the brand and want to invest in support for future shows, collections, and collaborations.
These are very different to their usual out of the box looks. Such basic looks make it difficult to differentiate the brand from others as this oversized look has been popular through many other designer brands. On the other hand, the positive part of this look is the transparency of their message. They feel this collection should reflect their remorse rather than their originality which I believe is a step in the right direction.
Now let’s move on to the main reason we are all here. Has Balenciaga redeemed themselves? Or is this the downfall of what was once a desired brand?
With all the controversy surrounding such a well-known brand it can take a toll on fully “redeeming” their name and what they stand for. The darker side to the drama is what turned away mostly everyone. Even if one was not involved and had no idea of the situation, the media spreads the word well and this issue reached headlines by the first hour passed. The recent show at Paris Fashion Week showed a humbled side to Balenciaga. Opposed to a mud runway with models angrily walking or the shiny masked faces people needed a trigger warning for, this approach is taken almost like an apology through fashion. Their efforts to play it safe have put them on a path to make things right. Will they continue to stay in people’s black books or will they find a way to bring peace to the situation? Only time can tell or in this case the fashion collections they choose to display in the future.
