The Balenciaga Fall 2022 Haute Couture collection draws on and further develops the Balenciaga legacy using advanced technology and traditional techniques.

Japanese limestone-based neoprene is introduced to the Couture vocabulary asa modern version of Gazar, the fabric invented for Cristóbal Balenciaga. Looks are completed with 3D-printed padding and wetsuit-inspired zip closures.

Accessorizing the looks are face shields in coated polyurethane engineered by Mercedes-AMG F1 Applied Science, a division of Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd. dedicated to leveraging aerospace and motorsport tech. Their aerodynamism, anti-fog capability, and breathability was developed over months of testing.

Paillettes create illusory effects with unconventional textures, alluding to raw edges with meticulously finished embroidery. A trompe l’oeil tweed is achieved by interspersing organza or jersey ribbons with beads and sequins. A crystalbeaded fishnet gown, sequined dresses, and jet-beaded jeans take up to thousands of hours to hand-sew.

Over a quarter of the collection is made with upcycled items. Vintage bombers, parkas, car coats, and jeans are deconstructed and reassembled, transforming two garments into a newly structured one. Methodically sourced belts and wallets become intricate patchworks.

Feathers are simulated via multiple embroidery techniques, using boned organza or cut silk. Faux fur is achieved with high-definition photography mapping and weeks of programming. In the case of a leopard coat, 150 kilometers of thread is hand tufted.

Draped dresses with trains, capes, scarf tops, bows, and gathered skirts reinterpret archival pieces with exclusive colors, specially developed fabric treatments, shiny coatings, extreme silhouettes, and hand-manipulated paillettes.

A veiled wedding gown made with 250 meters of varying tulle references an archival motif. Its 7,500-hour embroidery process uses 25 types of paillettes and beads, including 70,000 crystals, 80,000 silver leaves, and 200,000 sequins.