CLOSET CHOICE

Balenciaga’s Closet Campaign reintroduces the iconic Le City bag while launching the Rodeo bag

- ALISON LOH

BEFORE DEMNA AND ALEXANDER WANG, there was Nicolas Ghespquière. In 2001 – his fourth year as creative director of Balenciaga – Ghespquière introduced the Motorcycle City bag which is famously known as Le City today.

Popularised by supermodels like Kate Moss, Le City excelled in revolutionising fashion at the time. And back in the day, the bag held an exclusive status, with only 25 models in circulation.

After 23 years since the first launch, Demna revisited Balenciaga’s archives and reintroduces the Le City in the Closet Campaign. Photographed and directed by the duo Inez & Vinoodh, the campaign perfectly captures the implications of this iconic handbag as a closet essential. The campaign showcased many of Balenciaga’s ambassadors such as Kim Kardashian, who posed in her very own closet.

Known for its enigmatic maximalist yet practical approach, Le City is one luxury item that is easily recognisable. With its comeback, the reconstituted classic is presented in crafted Arena lamb leather and fitted with Palladium Vibrato hardware.

The bag’s hand-assembled, 25-panel construction replicates vintage versions, using the same dimensions of exterior and interior layers. Its handles and removable strap are also intricately braided with bonded leather strands.