Bernie in Balenci - Let's Count the Trends at Balenciaga A/W 17

​The Menswear Balanciga show was both a political statement and a sea of trend spotting.
 
There is no doubt that Demma Gvasalia understands young people and exactly what they want from high fashion. Even in a collection built overwhelmingly of suits it’s aesthetic was edgy and filled with sportswear influence.
 
So let’s count the trends that were made and reworked in the show. 

Politics

​​You can’t escape the taboo conversation starter of politics this past year. Whether it’s Trump or Brexit everyone has something to say. Balenciaga however did not play into the obvious, instead Gvasalia went with treasured Sanders. Don’t think a 75-year-old politician can be cool? Well think again. He now has enough Instagram followers to be a self-supporting ‘insta-model’ and a high fashion label repping his logo. 

Ugly- Yet Not Ugly Shoes

​Dad shoes, trainers, runners, weird, and amazing, we’ve heard it all to describe the athleisure shoe trend. It started with Nikes and Stan Smiths on the runway - which a few years ago was shocking. But now designers have worked to make trainers of their own to add to their collections. Incorporated into Balenciaga were wide soled multi colour lace-ups. 

Shopping Bags

​The Gucci and Mochino trend has now made its way into menswear. Models held handfuls of black and white Balenciaga bags. The catch being that instead of having a goodie from the store inside the now leather carry bag is your purchase. A sneaky and stylish way for a man to carry a purse. 

Puffers, Trenches, and Hoodies

​It has been the year of the coat and we’ll see this trend is continue into next fall. Every look on the Balenciaga runway was made up of a long blazer or vinyl coat, short bomber or puffer jacket, or a cozy slogan hoodie reading Balenciaga or Kering.