Paris fashion week: Balenciaga awes with grown-up chic collection

Creative director Demna Gvasalia leads the move to “cool and elegant”, while Céline champions architectural minimalism

“I want it to look cool and I want it to look elegant. Those are the most important qualities,” said designer Demna Gvasalia, talking about his new collection for Balenciaga, but he summed up the aesthetic of Paris fashion week.

The high-energy sportswear which dominated the catwalks last year is nowhere to be seen this season. Nor are the catwalks channelling trophy-wife luxury, hot-chick sex appeal, or boardroom power dressing. Cool and elegant grown-up chic is the only way to go.