Cardi B, the sensational rapper and fashion icon, surprised everyone on Saturday as she made her runway debut for Balenciaga. Known for her extravagant red carpet looks, Cardi B took the fashion world by storm as she strutted down the catwalk in a bold floor-length blue coat and sparkling diamond jewelry. The event was held on Los Angeles’ South Windsor Boulevard, where the label shut down the street for a star-studded presentation. It was Balenciaga’s first show ever in LA, and they certainly made it a memorable one.
With her characteristic humor, Cardi B took to Instagram to share her excitement about the experience. “Yesterday was a dream! I had too much fun storming your runway!” she wrote, addressing Balenciaga and its creative director, Demna Gvasalia. In her caption, she also humorously posted a photo of herself walking the catwalk with the pun, “On my way to chic fil A!” It’s clear that Cardi B brought her unique energy and style to the runway, creating a showstopper moment.
Cardi B is no stranger to making fashion statements. From elegant haute couture to over-the-top ensembles, she always manages to turn heads. Vogue magazine’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, has praised her style, with her burgundy Thom Browne gown at the 2019 Met Gala being a standout. And at the Balenciaga show, Cardi B rocked a faux-fur off-the-shoulder coat from the brand’s new pre-fall 2023 collection. With a price tag of $7,950, this coat is a statement piece that showcases Balenciaga’s avant-garde fashion sensibilities.
The collection itself was a mix of styles, ranging from baggy and layered “neo-grunge” outfits to elegant evening gowns. Activewear also made a strong appearance, with shorts, bra tops, and leggings taking the spotlight. Balenciaga’s promotional notes described the collection as capturing LA’s fashion codes through a cinematic, character-driven lens. The looks were designed to effortlessly transition from everyday activities like jogging and yoga to glamorous Hollywood evenings.
The star-studded show attracted not only fashion enthusiasts but also Hollywood stars. Attendees included Salma Hayek, Zooey Deschanel, Eva Longoria, and Nicole Kidman, who was named a Balenciaga brand ambassador that same day. It was also a special moment for Danish model and actor Brigitte Nielsen, who made a comeback to the runway at the age of 60. Walking in an all-black ensemble with thigh-high platform boots, she proved that age is just a number when it comes to fashion.
Balenciaga’s show was a testament to their ability to captivate the fashion world with their innovative designs. It also marked a strong comeback for the brand after facing controversy in the past. With Cardi B as their runway star, they demonstrated their commitment to pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable fashion moments.
