Nicole Kidman and Balenciaga's Original Collaboration with Erewhon Shines in Los Angeles

Balenciaga held a secret inaugural show in Los Angeles, where journalists and guests received a peculiar package consisting of a silver ingot fashioned like an energy bar. This special gesture was a reference to the wholesome lifestyle in Los Angeles as well as a hint towards a collaboration with Erewhon.

Erewhon, a Los Angeles-based organic food and products grocery chain with nine outposts in California, was handpicked by Demna, Balenciaga's artistic director, for an exclusive collaboration. The partnership, uncovered a few hours before the show, encompassed a charcoal-infused drink obtainable in all Balenciaga outlets, enhanced by a range of T-shirts and sweatshirts emblazoned with the names of both brands.

The venue at Hancock Park, an affluent residential area in Los Angeles renowned for its collection of Tudor and Italian Renaissance-style residences, was revealed at the eleventh hour. Guests arrived at a stretch of Windsor Boulevard, densely populated with palm trees and entirely sealed off for the event.

On the runway, under the watchful eye of the iconic Hollywood sign, the first celebrities emerged. An eclectic blend of attendees including Kim Kardashian in bejewelled leggings, protected by her cadre of bodyguards, Eva Longoria, Kendall Jenner, Salma Hayek accompanied by her husband François-Henri Pinault, who is also CEO of the Kering group, actor and singer Aron Piper, Cole Sprouse, Lil Kayne and rapper 2Chains lighting up a joint.

However, Nicole Kidman, the brand's new ambassador, overshadowed everyone. The actress looked radiant in a comprehensive black velvet gown with a lofty and wide collar, teamed with matching gloves. Kidman conveyed her excitement to work with Balenciaga and create more cherished moments.

Kickstarting the Balenciaga pre-Autumn/Winter 2024 collection show to techno tunes curated by Demna's spouse, Loïk Gomez, also known as BFRND, was a shirtless athletic man with a towel draped over his shoulder and a phone pressed to his ear. A simple LA scene.

Staying true to the LA/California relaxed way of life, the first segment of the show showcased a series of sportswear outfits alternating between super loose-fitting and skin tight, layered with lengthy shorts, hoodies, and bras. The models carried paper bags stamped with the Erewhon logo and flaunted sneakers bigger than usual.

This was followed by a variety of tracksuits, including one in a candy-pink colorway symbolic of Barbie or Paris Hilton from their Juicy Couture epoch, typically paired with flip-flops and coffee cups.

As Demna articulated, some might perceive his work as ironic, but it essentially mirrors his affection for the city of Los Angeles, and how he was influenced by Hollywood music and movies during his teenage years.

The Autumn/Winter collection unified all of Demna's designs and dabbled with voluminous garments, accentuated with accessories such as bags, over-sized boots and hooded sweatshirts. Brigitte Nielsen, star of Rocky IV and Beverly Hills Cop 2, was a standout in long black boots and a form-fitting black turtleneck sweater.

Demna expressed his pride in working with celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Brigitte Nielsen and Cardi B, the latter two having agreed to walk in the show. He further stated that his approach to the collection was inspired by Andy Warhol, and loved how it reflected diversity in every aspect, mirroring the diverse landscape of Los Angeles.

This was succeeded by a series of neo-grunge outfits with superior tailoring and a concluding segment that could easily transition to a Hollywood red carpet. Long expansive gowns akin to Cardi B’s style, swathed in a cobalt-blue faux fur coat alongside magnificent feathered coats and oversized scarves.

The show drew to a close with a dramatic and mystical queen-like silhouette enveloped in a spectacular gown, her eyes barely noticeable beneath a circular collar and clutching a purse shaped like a pump.

Balenciaga's L.A. event extended into the night, with an after-show thrown at the Sunset Tower Hotel and another one anticipated by Cardi B. at the iconic Whisky a Go Go. The audience, having been let down by Cardi B’s canceled performance, quietly retired for the night, dampening the festive spirit.