November 27, 2024—Balenciaga @balenciaga debuts its Le City Bag Campaign, bringing the timeless energy of early-2000s fashion into the modern spotlight. Directed and photographed by the acclaimed Lauren Greenfield, the campaign vividly recreates the backstage energy and front-row allure of a Balenciaga runway show, blending high fashion with candid storytelling.
Front Row Glamour Reimagined
The campaign channels the bustling energy of a Balenciaga runway presentation, featuring a diverse cast of fashion luminaries and models. Among them are fashion-forward icons like Devon Lee Carlson @devonleecarlson, Pernille Teisbaek @pernilleteisbaek, Livia Nunes Marques @livia, Camille Charriere @camillecharriere, Justine Skye @justineskye, Dixie D’Amelio @dixiedamelio, and Olympia of Greece @olympiagreece, alongside renowned models Sua Lee, Paloma Elsesser, and Mika Schneider. Styled with Balenciaga’s signature Y2K flair, the ensemble reflects the brand’s knack for marrying nostalgia with a contemporary edge.
Greenfield’s lens captures intimate, rarely-seen pre-show moments, evoking a sense of excitement akin to early-aughts fashion TV. Guests are portrayed checking their phones, greeting one another, and striking poses for photos—all under the dazzling glow of truss lights and paparazzi flashes.
Le City Bag: The Quintessential Y2K Revival
The campaign’s star accessory, The Le City Bag, is a modern reimagining of early-2000s maximalism. First introduced in 2001, the bag has evolved into a signature Balenciaga piece, merging practicality with luxury. Its intricate 25-panel construction in superfine lambskin speaks to the craftsmanship of the era, while its versatility ensures relevance for today’s style-conscious consumers.
Available in petal pink, camel, black, green, and white Arena Storico lambskin, as well as a metallized silver version, the bag comes in mini, small, medium, and large sizes, complete with a removable strap for crossbody or shoulder styling. Whether worn casually during the day or paired with evening elegance, the Le City Bag captures the essence of adaptable luxury.
The Le City Bag is not just an accessory; it’s an emblem of fashion’s most daring era, reimagined for today.
A Campaign Rooted in Nostalgia
Under Greenfield’s direction, Balenciaga seamlessly bridges the past and present, paying homage to the exuberance of the early 2000s. By combining archival and current Balenciaga collections, the campaign elevates the Le City Bag as a symbol of timeless fashion innovation. Greenfield’s unfiltered aesthetic, paired with Balenciaga’s visionary designs, delivers a narrative of elegance, rebellion, and self-expression.
As Balenciaga continues to reinterpret its heritage for a new generation, the Le City Bag Campaign cements the brand’s position as a leader in redefining how nostalgia can influence modern fashion.
Balenciaga’s campaign is a love letter to Y2K maximalism—a blend of artistry, rebellion, and refined craftsmanship.
