Savoir Flair’s Shoot for Balenciaga Goes into the Heart of Darkness

Balenciaga‘s Creative Director Demna Gvasalia could never have guessed how prescient his apocalyptic vision for Fall/Winter 2020 would turn out to be. 2020: a year that sounded so futuristic, that held so much promise, soon became synonymous with pain. A viral pandemic spread the globe, deaths rose, climate change catastrophes grew, political turmoil spilled into the streets, civil protests surged, a city was decimated by one of the largest explosions in history. 

In keeping with the themes set forth in the Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2020 show, photographer Abdulla Elmaz and animator Ran Bensimon created a post-apocalyptic world – almost entirely with the use of CGI. 

Elements, like cars and ladders, emerged from underwater, acknowledging the difficulties this year has unleashed. It feels like sinking, struggling to stay afloat, trying to surface from the darkness that threatens to swallow us whole. Reflecting the collective trauma that has brought humanity together in a tumultuous year, Savoir Flair’s editorial shoot for Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2020 is laden with psychological meaning. 

A dark backdrop and spectacular lighting sets each scene while also weaving in elements of nature, like alligators and snakes, to echo how nature returned to the urban landscape after populations went into lockdown. The message is simple: within despair, there is hope.

Editor-in-Chief Haleh Nia Fashion & Beauty Director Grace Gordon Head of Production Maria Popova Photographer Abdulla Elmaz Animator Ran Bensimon Lighting Assistant Richard Kovacs Photography Assistants David Oldenburg and Darryl Otten Fashion Stylist Ryan Oliver Makeup Artist Nicki Buglewicz Hair Stylist Isabelle Hyde Models Emily and Magdalene @ Nevs On-Ground Producer Ash Halliburton Music  Steven Worlow