Paris Fashion Week: the Balenciaga Show Lights Up the Champs-Élysées

A frenzied crowd, an oversized front row, and a powerful, cinematic collection inspired by the famous series Euphoria… The second Balenciaga show by Pierpaolo Piccioli raised the temperature by several degrees at Paris Fashion Week.

An Electric Front Row

Last night on the Champs-Élysées, an excited crowd gathered outside number 22, hoping to catch a glimpse of the guests attending the second Balenciaga runway show designed by Pierpaolo Piccioli.

The front row featured an impressive lineup of celebrities, including Winona Ryder and Harris Dickinson, the brand’s new ambassadors. They were joined by Elizabeth Debicki, Naomi Watts and her daughter Kai Schreiber, as well as South Korean K-pop star Juyeon.

Actors Bill Skarsgård, Rachel Sennott, Josh Hutcherson, Grace Gummer, Anna Van Patten, Chloe Cherry, and Priscilla Delgado were also in attendance.

A surprise appearance by actor Hudson Williams, one of the most talked-about stars of the moment, added even more excitement to the already electric front row.

An Immersive Set by Sam Levinson

Inside a dark room, video screens filled the space with saturated landscape images and short fragments from the upcoming third season of Euphoria.

The series’ creator, Sam Levinson, designed the scenography for the Balenciaga show, titled ClairObscur. The immersive setting created a strong emotional atmosphere and gave the runway a distinctly cinematic feel.

In a note explaining the collaboration, Levinson said that Euphoria explores the choices people make in life and their consequences. He explained that this idea also connects with Pierpaolo Piccioli’s vision for the Winter 2026 collection: the tension between light and darkness. Without darkness, light would feel flat and blinding; without light, darkness would swallow everything.

For his part, Pierpaolo Piccioli said he drew inspiration for the show from the Chiaroscuro of the Renaissance—a technique that emphasizes the contrast between light and shadow to create depth and highlight specific details within a composition.

How did this translate into the collection? On the runway, the opening looks featured powerful women with bold makeup—red lips and glittering green eyeshadow shaped like butterfly wings, reminiscent of Euphoria.

They first appeared dressed entirely in black, in a contemporary and theatrical mood: leather jackets paired with long slit skirts, leggings, pea coats, oversized coats, tailored suits, and fluffy jackets. Some walked in high heels, while others wore biker boots.

The strong silhouettes were sometimes completed with opera gloves, futuristic crystal sunglasses, and bags embroidered with shimmering details. Touches of vermilion red and bright fuchsia also appeared in the collection, along with cocoon-like volumes and sculpted necklines, signatures of Balenciaga. Parkas and fur worn over high-waisted jeans completed a wardrobe designed to be as versatile and full as a woman’s day.

A Magnetic Evening

Set to a soundtrack by Labrinth and Rosalía, the show continued with draped midi dresses featuring sensual cutouts. Mostly in black and occasionally illuminated with touches of red, purple or forest green, the looks felt both modern and striking.

As the tension built, the evening wear brought the cinematic narrative to its peak. Long, graphic, and minimalist gowns shimmered in the dark. Chiaroscuro effects appeared in the embroidery, hoods framed the face like portraits, and subtle glimpses of skin added a refined sensuality.

In the front row, the energy was tangible. As the clock neared ten, the most excited guests were invited to an after-party.

You can also checkout: A Stroll Through a Garden of Dreams: Dior Fall/Winter 2027 at Paris Fashion Week.

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