Fashion Designers Incorporate Global Governance Themes in Collections and Shows

At La Cité du Cinéma in Saint-Denis, Balenciaga unveiled its spring 2020 collection, featuring a runway inspired by a UN assembly. Designer Demna Gvasalia presented items such as security badges, poorly fitting suits, and puffer jackets shaped like apes. Milliner Stephen Jones designed a light blue beret named Pax, drawing inspiration from UN peacekeepers and the concept of European unity. Craig Green's utility sportswear resembled lifeboats, highlighting Mediterranean refugee journeys. Gvasalia, known for creating yellow DHL T-shirts for Vetements in 2016 and hosting a show at McDonald's, also showcased models navigating floodwaters in the fall collection to address climate change. Additionally, a four-minute segment with artist Will Benedict examined synthetic media's risks to global security, while Gvasalia produced hoodies for the UN World Food Programme with proceeds going to charity.