Demna Gvasalia, the creative force behind Vetements and Balenciaga, draws deeply from his Georgian heritage and post-Soviet experiences to create designs that connect high fashion with “streetwear” and cultural commentary. His academic background at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp honed his deconstructive approach, allowing him to reinterpret traditional garments.

Gvasalia’s creative process begins with visiting art exhibitions, historical fashion archives, and flea markets to gather visual and conceptual inspiration. His method of deconstructing and reconstructing garments involves taking classic silhouettes and reimagining them with unorthodox proportions, cuts, and materials. Gvasalia’s approach is both technical and intuitive. We witnessed this in his work at Vetements, where he reworked everyday items like DHL T-shirts and oversized hoodies into high fashion statements.

However, what truly sets Gvasalia apart is his ability to blend high concept art with commercial viability. His runway shows are immersive experiences in settings like parking garages and abandoned warehouses. Gvasalia’s Fall 2020 Balenciaga show, held in a dark, water-filled venue, evoked apocalyptic themes and commented on environmental issues. Through addressing consumerism, identity, and sustainability in his collections, Gvasalia continues to push fashion towards a platform for reflection and dialogue.