Balenciaga Paris
Explore Balenciaga Paris
Balenciaga Paris, 10 Avenue George V
This is a singular house. From Cristobal Balenciaga to Nicolas Ghesquière, the space is steeped in an atmosphere both rigorous and whimsical. Between the experimentation of couture and the morale of the cut. In the House of Balenciaga, there is the couturier who obeys the rules of style, but also the artist who embraces the realm of dreams.
It is in this world that a new fragrance was born: BALENCIAGA PARIS.
A pure bottle without engraving or adornments... The pale, amber color of the liquid within is like the nectar of a forest floor trapped in a bell jar. It reveals itself, quite clearly, behind the facets and edges. A bottle like no other, in blown glass, an arbitrary process making it unique and precious. A bottle that features both angles and curves. A soft bottle with corners... A bottle also imbued with humor, as the ivory cap appears like a surprise, rising from its velvet cape. It has the Balenciaga style...
Introducing eau de parfum
Immediately, the demure violet note makes us think that BALENCIAGA PARIS is a light fragrance, as pleasant as sunshine. In BALENCIAGA PARIS, we find the first moments of April, floral breezes and blossoms from milder days. A spring-like feel: airy dresses and fleeting glances. A bouquet of violets also has an old-fashioned tone, the antique charm of a few dried petals that we find between the pages of a book by Colette, traces of memories, the work of art so fine that is the past… But soon, a peppery note reveals itself and swells over calm, mossy wood. Foliage that breathes in the secret hours of night.
Then, another more nocturnal facet of nature expresses itself. A sensuality becomes clearer. The shadowy color of the liquid within already says something of its mystery. It is a fragrance full of light with a few dark apertures. BALENCIAGA PARIS is a lovely paradox. It is a fragrance that becomes life, that melds with living. BALENCIAGA PARIS offers itself and guards itself...
Wear BALENCIAGA PARIS and become a close yet inaccessible woman who strolls under leafy arbors.
Nicolas’ questions to Charlotte:
Do you remember the first time we met?
It must have been at the first fashion show of yours that I attended. I was told that you would like me to come. I must have gone backstage, but the fashion show crowd and my shyness at the time resulted in me simply staring at my feet.
What was it about Balenciaga that touched you most?
The fact that I met you and discovered your style, which made me want to be more feminine.
Is there a certain dress that took your breath away?
The outfit that I wore for the opening of the Cannes Film Festival, when I was on the panel of judges. I felt protected, like in a military uniform.The dress that you designed for me for the Césars ceremony when I was president, because you made it just for me!And a white dress in parachute material, because it was like an unexpected wedding gown for me, as I’ve never been married.
Why did you accept to be the image of Balenciaga Paris?
Because you asked me. I’ve never really worn fragrance and I’m proud to have been the inspiration for this one.
You are so discreet. What will it be like to become the image of a fragrance?
I know that I’m surrounded by the Balenciaga image. I have total faith in your vision. I feel that you reveal who I am before even realizing where you are taking me. This fragrance is like the dresses that you design for me and that I feel so wonderful wearing.
Do you approach this like a role to play?
No. Balenciaga is like a second home. Representing your fragrance is an evolution that takes place naturally in the relationship I have with the Balenciaga style. This fragrance has a strong personality, like your clothing: classic, feminine and refined. And I really like the idea that you created it with me in mind.
How does one incarnate a fragrance?
By being myself and not being affected by the way you or Steven Meisel look at me.
You were so moving in Cannes… Since this film, are you no longer afraid of anything?
It’s true that it allowed me to go further than ever before in terms of an unaccustomed yet desired immodesty (both physical and emotional). I think it broke down my complexes, because the stakes were elsewhere.
When does Balenciaga suit you best?
Probably when Yvan is looking at me.
