Balenciaga is an ongoing ode to middle-aged women

Versatile, playful, and always pushing the boundaries between old and new, Balenciaga is a brand for everyone. Its undeniable muse, Isabelle Huppert, is the ultimate proof. From the elegant evening gown worn on a red carpet to the casual purple tracksuit, or a contemporary outfit photographed in a campaign with a Bel Air bag slung over her shoulder, the septuagenarian actress plays her role as Balenciaga ambassador to perfection, proving that fashion, even for the young and avant-garde, has no age limit. And she is not alone. Last spring, the brand chose Michelle Yeoh as a new face. Just days ago, it was the iconic Sophie Marceau who honored the house by donning a full Balenciaga look at the opening ceremony of the Hainan Island International Film Festival, consisting of a stunning red gown, black gloves, and star-worthy sunglasses.

But that’s far from all: besides enhancing the beauty of these women who shaped our cinematic culture through campaigns, t-shirts, or everyday styling, Demna has a penchant for introducing stunning mature women into his runway shows. The presentation of his haute couture FW23-24 collection featured an elite group of women over 50, including, as always, Isabelle Huppert, model Minttu Vesala, and Inès de la Fressange. For his SS24 ready-to-wear collection, it was none other than the designer’s own mother who opened the show, followed by several women of the same age group, some of whom are members of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, where Demna honed his craft. Given the stark decline in diversity during recent Fashion Weeks, with only 0.6% plus-size models, seeing mature women radiating beauty and far cooler than most twenty-something fashionistas is refreshing. Especially considering the house’s history and founder Cristobal Balenciaga, whose ultimate goal was to create clothing that made women beautiful, regardless of size, origin, or age.