I Like Those Balenciagas

Cardi B’s lyric “I like those Balenciagas, the ones that look like socks” turned out to be a rather prophetic one, as the superstar rapper is now the face of the esteemed brand’s Winter 2020 campaign. She announced the delightful news on Instagram, recalling her Times Square billboard and declaring that her next one will be on grand display in the fashion capital of the world, Paris.

Cardi B becoming the centerpiece of Balenciaga’s newest campaign was the brilliant idea of creative director Denma Gvasalia, as well as the first celebrity collaboration in her career. 

Being constrained by quarantine measures unexpectedly brought out Gvasalia’s creativity in preparing the shoot itself. Naturally, the photos were shot in Cardi B’s residence, and the creative team made the most of the environment. Gvasalia dressed Cardi B in a sleek black gown from her Fall 2020 collection, and in place of a typical glamorous studio set was a backyard strewn with children's toys and a white Balenciaga Neo Classic bag. 

These contrasting images, intentionally or not, symbolize the resourcefulness and artistry of fashion creatives that prevail in defiance of the challenging restrictions imposed upon them.

Photo Credits: Harper’s Bazaar

Report: Nia Hunt