As night fell over Paris on day six of Paris Fashion Week, Pierpaolo Piccioli presented his second outing as Balenciaga creative director. The former Valentino designer was appointed the creative force at Balenciaga back in May 2025, following the exit of Demna (who is not installed at Gucci). Attendees like Naomi Watts, Lori Harvey, and Winona Ryder witnessed a Balenciaga x “Euphoria” crossover, with the show venue conceived in collaboration with filmmaker Sam Levinson. Titled “ClairObscur,” Piccioli’s lineup unfolded against a backdrop of scenes from the series’ upcoming third season, as the collection detailed the most architectural side of the storied Paris-based fashion house. Models emerged from backstage decked out in structured coats and skirts, draped dresses worn with leather opera gloves, chunky statement sneakers, crystallized futuristic sunglasses, and the beloved Rodeo and City handbags.
Review of Balenciaga Fall 2026 Collection
Read the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members below:
“This is probably one of the worst collections of all times shown at a big maison. Left me speechless.” [Creative]
“A bloated collection that offers absolutely nothing new on any imaginable level. Imagine voluntarily spending your money on this rubbish.” [Squizree]
“He has nothing to say. And why is he referencing Demna’s clothes? Move on. Better, move OUT.” [Alquimista]
“It’s just so boring to look at. There is nothing to it. So void of passion and interest.” [Cocteau Stone]
“What is this? Beyond ugly. No other way to describe it. Pierpaolo really doesn’t know if he’s coming or going!! What a mess!!” [mteb123]
“It’s a bunch of random looks put together in a visionless collection. Quite tragic.” [blusheels]
“I couldn’t even finish watching it. What an absolute sh*t show! Awful! Worse than [Alexander] Wang! The prints were so pedestrian, I’m in shock. Forever 21-levels of execution.” [impossibletruelove]
See all the looks from the Balenciaga Fall 2026 collection and click here to join the conversation.
