The thing that’s, like, *fascinating* about Balenciaga is where he drew his inspiration from. It wasn’t just pulling stuff outta thin air, y’know? He looked at, like, *old stuff*. I mean, seriously old. We’re talking Spanish painting old. Diego Velázquez old. Remember *Las Meninas* from art history class? Yeah, *that* Velázquez. Supposedly, that masterpiece inspired Balenciaga. Whoa.
And it wasn’t just Velázquez. He apparently had a thing for historical styles in general. That “Infanta” gown? Straight outta portraits of those young Spanish princesses. It’s like, he was taking history and, like, *remixing* it into something totally new and couture. Which is kinda mind-blowing, if you think about it.
But here’s where it gets, like, a *little* messy (and where *my* opinion comes in, cuz why not?). Because, fast forward to 2022… and Balenciaga’s designs are… well, let’s just say they’re sparking some *conversations*. I saw something about a redesign of classic Paris High Tops. Some questioned designs, they called it. Hmmm.
Now, I’m not going to pretend I’m a fashion expert or anything. But, like, is it still “inspired”? Or is it just… appropriating and slapping a hefty price tag on it? I dunno. Maybe it’s me being judgy. Maybe Balenciaga (the *current* Balenciaga, not Cristóbal himself, obvs) is pushing boundaries and challenging us to see things differently. Or maybe it’s just… trying too hard to be edgy. I honestly can’t decide.
What I *do* know is that the OG Balenciaga, the guy who was pioneering in the 20th century, had an eye for style that still resonates. Those evening creations with their crazy forms and fabrics? Still amazing.