The Balenciaga by Demna exhibition, dedicated to honoring his work for the House, has officially opened in Paris. The showcase highlights pieces that demonstrate Demna’s impact not only at Balenciaga but on the fashion world as a whole.

Balenciaga by Demna features 101 exhibits selected by the designer himself, including complete ensembles, individual garments, accessories, and footwear from 30 collections spanning his 10-year tenure at the House. The exhibition explores key concepts introduced by Demna during his time as creative director, such as challenging fashion’s pre-established rules and offering a sharp, often satirical lens on society and the contemporary wardrobe: “What people wear, how they wear it, and where the fine line lies between fashion and luxury.”

Demna joined Balenciaga in 2015 as creative director. From the start, he brought a distinct and radical perspective to the brand, redefining its identity within the luxury sphere. His debut collection for the House, presented in March 2016, marked a shift toward realism—transforming utilitarian garments into modern, conceptual fashion. Over the past decade, he’s become known for his signature oversized, deconstructed silhouettes and his deep influence on fashion’s embrace of streetwear aesthetics.

Beyond design, Demna has used the runway as a platform for political statements and cultural critique, often sparking controversy. Under his leadership, Balenciaga has evolved into a space for bold social commentary and fashion discourse.

The exhibition also includes works displayed as standalone art pieces, as part of a collaboration between Balenciaga and various artists for its Art in Stores project. Notably, the closing look from the Summer 2022 “Red Carpet” collection was reimagined by artist Mark Jenkins, who transformed it into one of his signature humanoid sculptures. Every detail of the exhibition has been carefully considered—even the exhibition catalog takes the form of a glossy fashion magazine, featuring editorial-style images from the display.

In a recent revelation, Demna shared that he was once denied a menswear internship at Balenciaga after graduating from the Antwerp Academy in 2007. His story is a testament to resilience: a reminder that rejection can be redirection, and that perseverance and vision can ultimately lead to great success.

The exhibition is housed at Kering’s headquarters inside the historic Laennec site at 40 rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris, and is open to the public from June 26 through July 9. Entry is free via registration at exposition.balenciaga.com.