Parisian luxury label Balenciaga, owned by Kering, is once again defying expectations and embracing innovation with its latest collaboration at the intersection of fashion, music, and digital tech. The brand has teamed up with British trip-hop band Archive to create a limited-edition capsule collection of music merchandise. The collection includes a hoodie and two t-shirt models, available in both long and short-sleeved versions, with prices ranging from €595 to €990. These exclusive items are currently available for purchase on Balenciaga’s e-shop as well as select stores worldwide.
Staying true to Balenciaga’s iconic aesthetic, the collection features a black and white color scheme, with a large stylized ‘A’ in either white or red adorning the front of the garments. What sets this collection apart is the inclusion of a near-field communication (NFC) chip sewn into the label of each item. By simply scanning the chip with a smartphone, wearers can gain access to Archive’s music, including a never-before-heard eight and a half-minute track called ‘Patterns’ created specifically for Balenciaga, as well as a curated seven-hour playlist developed exclusively for this collaboration.
This unique partnership marks Archive’s first collaboration with a fashion label, adding to the excitement surrounding this venture. Darius Keeler, founding member of Archive, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Balenciaga has always championed individuality and innovation, qualities that we have also strived to embody within Archive’s creative process. When presented with the opportunity to collaborate on this exciting project, it felt like a perfect fit. I believe the track we have created is something truly special.”
This collaboration is part of Balenciaga’s ongoing Balenciaga Music project, which was introduced in 2020. The project allows customers to delve into the musical inspirations behind the brand’s collections. Balenciaga enthusiasts can explore playlists curated by Demna, the creative mastermind behind the brand, as well as other artists such as Jay-Jay Johanson, Pink Martini, and Aya Nakamura. These collaborations often coincide with the release of capsule collections of music merchandise, offering customers a unique and all-encompassing music experience.
Demna himself expressed his excitement for the Balenciaga Music project, stating, “Music holds a significant place in my life and is an integral part of Balenciaga’s culture. Balenciaga Music was created to share my favorite musical artists, their personal tastes, and influences. We have now expanded this project to provide a more personal and immersive music experience, complete with exclusive content and interactive technology.”
In addition to this innovative collaboration, Balenciaga has also been expanding its retail presence globally. The brand recently opened new stores in Taipei, Mexico, and India, further solidifying its international reach. Additionally, Balenciaga has secured a covetable retail space in Milan’s prestigious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, with an annual rent of €2.5 million, making it one of the most expensive rental fees within the shopping arcade connecting the Duomo cathedral to the La Scala opera house.
Balenciaga’s collaboration with Archive serves as a testament to the brand’s dedication to pushing boundaries and creating unparalleled experiences for its customers. The intersection of fashion, music, and digital tech presents limitless potential, and Balenciaga continues to lead the way in industry innovation. Fashion enthusiasts and music lovers alike can now indulge in a one-of-a-kind fashion experience with the Balenciaga Music|Archive collection.
Useful links:
1. Balenciaga Official Website
2. Archive Official Bandcamp
