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I’ll never forget my first Balenciaga purchase. It wasn’t at the store or through a resale site—it happened right in the halls of the Vogue offices. Back in 2018, I was the fashion market assistant at Vogue, surrounded by endless racks of off-the-runway samples—hungry for luxury but working with anything but a luxury budget. One morning, my colleague and fashion editor at the time, Alexandra Gurvitch, showed me a few pieces she was ready to part with, including my dream boots—a chunky pair with an unexpected squared toe from Balenciaga. They were one size too small for her but a perfect fit for me. I immediately offered to buy them, but she’d already promised them to a friend. The next day, they were mine—my very first pair of Balenciaga boots and, in fact, my first piece of Balenciaga anything. I still own and wear them to this day!
Fast forward to now, I’m still captivated by the brand’s ever-evolving collections. From the iconic City Bag to the edgy Cagole Boots and perfectly distressed, oversized denim, my wish list from Balenciaga only grows. The brand has an uncanny ability to create pieces that strike the perfect balance between rebellion and timeless luxury, merging street-inspired cool with a sophisticated edge. This brings me to today, stepping into Balenciaga’s largest and newest U.S. store on Greene Street in SoHo, New York City—a full circle moment to experience the cutting-edge designs up close and admire the raw, striking architecture that defines the brand’s aesthetic. The Balenciaga boutique is more than just a store, it is a living art installation, where every element enhances its curated, immersive atmosphere. Thoughtful lighting casts a soft, sophisticated glow, drawing your eye to the clothing and accessories on display. It’s two floors of absolute mega fashion, perfectly balanced—never overcrowded, yet brimming with energy.
When I first entered the store, I was immediately drawn to the massive Bel-Air bags on display—reluctantly reminding myself that I was there for work, not shopping. Then there’s the newly introduced Charms bar where you could mix and match charms to personalize your bags. Genius! I could have stayed at that Charms bar all day, but eventually, I had to tear myself away and head back to the office. So if you need any reason to visit the Balenciaga store, let the charm bar alone be your excuse to get lost in the world of Balenciaga. As for what I loved from the latest collection? Let’s get into it, below.
Rodeo Bag
I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect everyday bag—one that’s spacious enough to carry everything I need for work, including my laptop, but still sleek enough to transition seamlessly from day to night. I love the balance of elegance and structure the Rodeo bag offers, with just enough organic softness to keep it from feeling rigid, so it’s easy to dress down. The crossbody strap is a game changer, and the bag itself holds a surprising amount. This was the only bag I reached for during Fashion Week, and it didn’t disappoint. From meetings to after-dinner drinks, it was the perfect companion.
Denim on Denim
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of a good matching set, and here, the Canadian Tuxedo gets a fresh rebrand. Balenciaga’s take is for the cool girl who may be a little laid-back but still wants to look effortlessly chic. I love the trompe l’oeil construction of the skirt—at first glance, it appears to be a pair of double-waist trousers, but a closer look reveals (surprise!) that it’s actually a skirt. Pair this look with a sharp pointed-toe heel or knee-high boots to add an extra bit of drama.
Shape Shifter!
Who knew one bag could do it all and still look this good? The Bel-Air bag is all about function and versatility. Wear it open for a relaxed vibe, or zip it up for a sleek, polished look. It’s an heirloom piece that’s built to last. The Bel-Air comes in three sizes, and honestly, I’d love to own all three—but my budget has other plans!
Color Coded
Go bold or go home! That’s my mantra—I want my wardrobe to make a statement, not blend in. When I’m craving striking design and a bit of fun, I look to Balenciaga for inspiration. Whether it’s a head-to-toe monochromatic look that demands attention or a pair of bold boots to up the drama, I want to be in a look that is nothing less than interesting. There’s nothing like having a standout dress or a killer pair of boots that instantly make the outfit.
The Classic City Bag
What even defines an It bag these days? Balenciaga is making a strong case with the Le City’s comeback, which certainly doesn’t disappoint. I own a hot pink early-2000s version of the Le City that I treasure—it’s just that good. My go-to, however, is the more recent black version in small, which pairs with anything and is effortlessly easy to wear. Somehow, I can fit all of my everyday essentials—makeup bag, wallet, sunglasses, and keys—into it. And since I’m never one to shy away from a matching set, when I spotted this silky green patterned set, I knew it would pair perfectly with the soft camel color of the Le City and the boldness of the Knife heel.
Bag Candy
Everywhere you look, the bag charm trend is inescapable—and for good reason. It’s the perfect way to add personality to your bags and make them feel uniquely yours. Balenciaga offers an impressive array of charms, with some even pre-attached to their bags—talk about a one-stop shop! Whether you’re looking to add a touch of whimsy, edge, or playfulness, these charms allow you to make your bag feel completely personal. My ideal bag is one layered with a ridiculous amount of charms—maybe even adding a few extra pounds—but it’s all worth it for that perfect, personalized touch.
