Balenciaga continues to invest in Los Angeles, growing its footprint ahead of its Dec. 2 fashion show.
The Kering-owned brand now has two locations on Rodeo Drive, and unveiled a new store Monday.
“We are expanding our presence and are opening a second store to be able to dedicate one new flagship to womenswear and one Flagship to menswear,” Cédric Charbit, chief executive officer of Balenciaga, told WWD in a statement.
The original store — which relocated in 2019, nearly doubling its floor — now carries men’s. The new space, just steps away at 418 North Rodeo Drive, is dedicated to women’s ready-to-wear and accessories. It’s even bigger, with two stories and about 6,000 square feet.
The design is what the brand calls “Raw Architecture.”
Courtesy of Balenciaga/Noua Unu Studio
The existing store has been the leading location in the U.S. for important clients and stylists, Charbit noted: “This will be our first flagship entirely dedicated to menswear. These new stores will provide our latest customer experiences with the largest personalized spaces for our VIP clients.”
Of the destination, he said, “This iconic city is home to our historical and current top clients. Shopping in L.A. is a very unique experience and became a global destination.”
The new location is two stories and about 6,000 square feet.
Courtesy of Balenciaga/Noua Unu Studio
In what the brand calls “Raw Architecture,” the design keeps with its new look under creative director Demna Gvasalia. It’s a monochromatic interior with an industrial feel, featuring cement bricks, tiles, concrete floors, bare metal racks and banisters, while adored with aluminum tables and faux leather benches. Outside, the two-story facade is viewable from the street, with large glass panels.
It’s “conceived to question the nature of authenticity by using existing structural elements and adding evocative details such as simulated corrosion and intentional roughness — a concept that inherently creates less waste and depletes less resources,” the brand describes the construction.
Balenciaga is expected to show its fall 2024 men’s and women’s collections in L.A., thought the venue and details are still unknown.
“Balenciaga fosters creativity, craft and innovation and always had a strong connection to Los Angeles,” said Charbit.
The two-story facade is viewable from the street, with large glass panels.