On a rainy evening, the dimly lit facade of Shanghai's Museum of Art Pudong was drenched, serving as the backdrop for Balenciaga's Spring 2025 collection runway.
The unfortunate setting seemed to mirror the brand's current predicament: for the past eighteen months, the label has been struggling to regain its reputation amidst the torrent of criticism that ensued from its controversial campaign scandal.
The public's affection for its once-celebrated unique styles was swept away in the process.
However, the brand was ready with an army of black umbrellas, providing a temporary cover for front-row attendees, including actresses Sophie Marceau and Michelle Yeoh.
The outcome was less gloomy and more akin to a cyberpunk scene.
