Summary:
- Pierpaolo Piccioli debuts his first collaborations at Balenciaga with the NBA and Manolo Blahnik
- Fall 2026 collection combines athletic wear with formal tailoring in neutral tones
- Campaign features actors, artists, musicians, and models during daily commutes in Paris
Pierpaolo Piccioli presents his first major collaborations at Balenciaga with partnerships involving the NBA and footwear designer Manolo Blahnik. The Fall 2026 collection represents a shift toward relaxed luxury while maintaining the house's architectural precision.
The collection features sportswear elements transformed through a refined lens. Cropped tracksuits appear alongside knitted hot pants, parkas, mesh jerseys, and leather varsity jackets. The palette stays neutral, allowing the silhouettes to define each piece. Branded bags and athletic accessories complete the sportswear narrative.
Piccioli references Cristóbal Balenciaga's approach to comfort without sacrificing structure. The founder built a reputation on garments that moved with ease while maintaining sculptural form. This collection applies that philosophy to contemporary athletic wear.
Formal tailoring shares space with sports-inspired pieces. Oversized double-breasted coats define the menswear offerings, paired with textured suiting and statement leather garments. The proportions play with volume, creating a silhouette that feels both structured and relaxed.
Womenswear takes a different approach. Shimmering outerwear contrasts with fitted co-ords that hug the body. Embellished ballgowns bring formal elegance into the mix, demonstrating the range within the collection. Exaggerated jewelry adds visual weight to simpler looks.
The Manolo Blahnik collaboration brings minimalist footwear to the collection. The partnership marks a departure from Balenciaga's typical chunky sole aesthetic, offering streamlined options that complement the tailored pieces.
The campaign captures individuals during daily commutes in Paris. Actors, artists, musicians, and models appear in settings familiar to urban transit users. The approach grounds the collection in everyday moments rather than abstract fashion scenarios.
This marks Piccioli's attempt to establish a new direction for the house. His background includes years at Valentino, where he developed a reputation for romantic, detailed work. At Balenciaga, he faces the challenge of honoring the brand's heritage while introducing his perspective.
The NBA collaboration extends beyond simple logo placement. Jersey styles, team-inspired color blocking, and court-side silhouettes inform several pieces. The partnership positions Balenciaga within sports culture, a space the brand has engaged with intermittently over recent years.
Balenciaga's history includes periods of both avant-garde experimentation and commercial accessibility. Under Demna's previous creative direction, the brand leaned heavily into streetwear influences and viral marketing tactics. Piccioli's approach appears more measured, focusing on wearability without abandoning statement pieces.
The collection arrives during a period of transition for luxury fashion. Brands face pressure to balance creative vision with commercial viability. Sports collaborations offer one solution, bringing built-in audiences and cultural relevance.
The neutral color palette allows mixing between pieces. Beige, black, gray, and cream dominate, with occasional pops of color through the NBA-inspired items. This approach suggests versatility, positioning the collection as wardrobe staples rather than single-season novelties.
Texture plays a significant role throughout. Knitted fabrics, smooth leather, shimmering materials, and structured wool create visual interest without relying on color variation. The mix of materials suggests different occasions and settings, from casual daywear to formal evening events.
The Fall 2026 collection sets a foundation for Piccioli's tenure at Balenciaga. His first collaborative projects signal an interest in partnerships that extend the brand's reach while maintaining its luxury positioning. Whether this direction resonates with existing Balenciaga clients or attracts new audiences will become clear in coming seasons.
Eric Grischott
Born in Groningen in 1991, Eric Grischott is a linguist with a deep-rooted passion for art, music, and fashion. His academic journey led him to graduate in languages, further enriching his linguistic prowess. His thirst for knowledge and cultural immersion took him abroad, where he gained invaluable experience and insights. Eric’s linguistic expertise is not confined to just theory. He has honed his skills in French and German through specialized DELF and DELE courses, demonstrating his commitment to mastering these languages. His passions extend beyond languages, encompassing the creative realms of art, the rhythmic world of music, and the dynamic sphere of fashion.