Balenciaga debuts new Objects line

By

Godfrey Deeny

Published
Nov 21, 2020

Balenciaga has taken the concept of fashion accessories to a completely new level. The house has developed a new unwearable Objects line, to be introduced individually throughout the year.

Its first Balenciaga Object, which debuts this Friday, Nov. 20, is a metal sculpture in the exact shape of a size 41 Track.2 sneaker from the brand.

The limited-edition sneaker, weighing 2,5 kilograms, is made in Italy with 16 cast brass pieces that are soldered and sealed, then coated with palladium.

This first Balenciaga Object is being sold in a limited edition, with just 20 Track.2 sculptures available worldwide. This likely collectors’ item retails for 4,900 euros on the brand’s site.

The launch marks the latest conceptual twist by Balenciaga’s acclaimed creative director Demna Gvasalia, who already offers Balenciaga Happy Rat or mini lock earrings or polyamide lace-free sock/sneakers.

In a release, Balenciaga termed Objects “a category of items produced outside of the fashion collections… designed to be timeless, from collectible treasures to items for everyday use, at home or on the move.

“Part of a lineage of objects d’art that recontextualize everyday products, the palladium and brass sculpture (sneaker) is a cross between a bronzed baby shoe keepsake and a Dadaist Readymade, transforming the functional Balenciaga sneaker into an inflexible solid. Referencing the original shoe’s particular place in popular culture and daily life, this metal version… alludes to the definitive sentimental value and trophy status of designed goods,” the house argued.

Tristan Tzara could not have put it better.