Money, street and fetishism: a new collaboration between Balenciaga and Adidas Resort 2023

On the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Balenciaga's new spring 2023 collaborative collection with Adidas was shown. Creative director of the fashion house Demna Gvasalia created bold variations on the theme of streetwear, combining them with ideas of fetishism. Models walked the runway in colorful latex masks with ponytails and thick false eyelashes sticking out of slits to ominous music, making it look like a dystopian video game.

As an invitation to the show, guests were given bundles of counterfeit money, fastened with a strap with the Balenciaga logo. America is obsessed with money and Demna used this fact to attract the attention of the public. Star friends of the brand came to the show: Kanye West, Offset, Frank Ocean, Devonte Hines, Pharrell Williams, A$AP Nast, Orville Peck and Chloe Sevigny with her new husband.

Demna admitted that he wanted to cause a little horror with his show, because the world we live in is quite cruel. “This show is supposed to evoke emotions. We've been sitting at home for two years trying to come up with digital stuff, video games and movies. We live in a terrifying world, and fashion is a reflection of it, and if it makes you afraid or horrified, I succeeded,” said the designer. The collection consists of baggy black suits, tailored coats and dresses, as well as a line of sportswear with unmistakable Adidas features for the office. The looks are completed with rubber boots reminiscent of clown shoes and wire-framed glasses. The show coincided with the announcement that Balenciaga is starting to accept cryptocurrencies as payment for its products. New models will soon go on sale in brand stores.