Balenciaga presented embroidered evening gowns and luxurious oversized casual looks for its first haute couture collection in more than 50 years in Paris on Wednesday, July 7, in one of the most anticipated fashion shows of the week. Creative director Demna Gvasalia dressed models in yellow and pink dressing gown-like coats, loose black trouser suits and embellished evening gowns. There were also voluminous satin coats and more casual looks made up of jumpers, jeans and jackets. 4 edgy streetwear designers who scored top creative gigs at LVMH The problem with C-pop and luxury brands The designer said he had looked to the label’s Spanish founder, Cristobal Balenciaga, for inspiration, showing egg-shaped silhouettes, a draped polka dot dress in chiffon and a shantung coat embroidered with faux fur. Flowers, sequins and feathers: Chanel’s Impressionist-inspired show Accessories included large flying saucer-like hats, visor sunglasses and long gloves. “I see it as my creative obligation to the unique heritage of M. Balenciaga to bring the couture back to his house,” Gvasalia said in show notes. Why are Hermès Birkin bags so insanely expensive? “It is the very foundation of this century-old maison.” Cristobal Balenciaga, recognised as one of the top couturiers in the fashion industry, closed his Paris-based atelier in 1968. He died four years later. The label reopened in the 1980s, but without couture. Guests at Wednesday’s show, held inside Cristobal Balenciaga’s atelier, included model Bella Hadid; rappers Kanye West and Lil Baby; and actor Salma Hayek, wife of Francois-Henri Pinault , chairman and CEO of Kering, Balenciaga’s parent company. Blackpink’s Rosé, Sneaker Queen? 5 pairs of glam kicks to turn heads Paris Haute Couture week, which ran until Thursday, July 8, has seen a return to live fashion shows as lockdown restrictions ease in France. Labels are also streaming their presentations for the journalists, buyers and fashionistas who cannot attend in person. Want more stories like this? Sign up here. Follow STYLE on Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and Twitter .