We've been served some absolutely epic runway moments the past few seasons, but few can come close to the star-studded Balenciaga Haute Couture show in Paris on Wednesday morning – which marked creative director Demna's second for the fashion house.
As the crowds swarmed outside brand founder Cristobal Balenciaga's elegant Salon, Demna unveiled a collection filled with signature skin-tight bodysuits, dramatic ballgowns and unadulterated glamour and impeccable craft aplenty.
But beyond spectacular clothes, the Georgian designer had a few other surprises in store. First up, Kim Kardashian's nine-year-old daughter North West made her Paris Haute Couture Week debut sitting on the front row alongside Kris Jenner, and wearing a streetwear-inspired all-black look with sunglasses. A budding diva if ever we saw one.
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And the timing couldn't have been more perfect. To celebrate his second Balenciaga couture collection, Demna tapped none other than Kim Kardashian to make her first ever runway appearance. The star, who has long been a fan and collaborator of the brand, walked the runway in a full-length back gown with a low back, over-the-knee boots and her peroxide blonde hair tied in a low bun.
But Kim was only the start. Following the star down the runway was a slew of famous faces. Bella Hadid and Naomi Campbell walked the runway for the first time of the autumn/winter couture season in serious style – but far more unexpected were appearances by Christine Quinn, singer Dua Lipa and actor Nicole Kidman, who were also transformed into models for the occasion.
Dua Lipa stunned in a canary yellow, one-shouldered mini dress with a dramatic train, and Kidman sashayed down the runway in a silver metallic gown and long black gloves, while Selling Sunset star Quinn dazzled in a sparkly silver mini dress.
Now that's Haute Couture Week done right.
Clementina Jackson is Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, working across news and features, trends, e-commerce and SEO. She was previously Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, and Acting Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, where she was named as a PPA 30 Under 30 award winner for her work on size inclusivity. An experienced fashion, travel and luxury lifestyle journalist, Clementina has also written for Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Red and Italy Segreta.
