Balenciaga Tapped Sam Levinson For a Cinematic FW26 Showcase
And safe to say it was Euphoric…
Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2026 marks a cinematic shift in the house’s creative trajectory as Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli enlists Euphoria creator Sam Levinson to help realize his vision of “ClairObscur”. This collaboration transformed the runway into an immersive panorama, merging the gritty, neon-soaked realism of Levinson’s cinematic with Piccioli’s mastery of “High Renaissance” aesthetics. Pierpaolo says of the partnership in the show notes: “Sam has the ability to truly see without judgement, he also weaves together people’s stories, their lives.”
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The collection centers on the interplay of opposites, using “ClairObscur” to define volume through shadow. Textiles are curated for their light-altering properties—heavy cashmere and supple leather absorb the gaze, while sequins and intricate embroideries reflect it. This luminous contrast defines the Midnight City bag and D’Orsay sneakers, which feature ombré effects that mimic a physical glow. Pushing the boundaries of footwear, a collaboration with J.M. Weston introduces manipulated, folding shapes that create a sense of weightless suspension. The color story adds emotional weight, featuring phosphorescent tones that radiate from the shadows. Even the accessories, such as the sculptural HG Avenue bag, are designed to mirror the fluidity of natural movement.
The show’s atmosphere was amplified by Levinson’s custom video installations, which spliced fragments of Euphoria’s upcoming third season with portraits of a multi-generational cast. As visual landscapes shifted from dawn to dusk, the set served as a reminder that light is ever-present.
For more PFW you might have missed, check out our review of Vivienne Westwood FW26.
