BALENCIAGA MERGES WELLNESS AND COUTURE WITH ITS NEW TECHWEAR LINE
words by ANOUK WOUDT
Merging every facet of Balenciaga’s legacy through sport, technology, and style, their new TechWear line introduces wellness as a new core pillar of their identity. With both men’s and women’s pieces, the brand now offers seamless tracksuits or bodysuits that make for the perfect pre, post, or intra-workout look to stay effortlessly glamorous — even in the most sweat-slicked conditions. All stemming from the imagination of Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli, the pieces are designed to incorporate sophistication into health-conscious rituals, allowing you to move with comfort, ease and most importantly, style.
Debuting in Balenciaga’s FW 26 collection, which was titled Body & Being, the pieces fit within the central theme of the collection, centring on the human form and its many silhouettes. Skin-tight fabrics imprinted with the Balenciaga Bodies graphic identity — a looping gesture — signify boundlessness and infinite movement, while other, more sweeping structures used the human body as posts to drape down from.
Featuring pieces from across the activewear spectrum, the House is introducing clothing that is built to endure with pro-body, cutting-edge materials. Key looks are the membraned taffeta tracksuits and leather windbreaker sets, which feature flat edge-to-edge no-stitch seams, a result of ultrasonic-welded nylon tape. Suited for physical activity, there are instalments of aqua-zip closures that use water-repellent technology through a reverse knit process.
The line has all kinds of different pieces, offering everything you would need for your leisurely look. With cutout bodysuits, hooded cowls, fitted tops, bike shorts, hot pants, leggings, socks and even more — this is your sign to wear full Balenciaga to the gym. Everything is elastic, breathable, antibacterial, fast-drying, moisture-wicking, and UV-protective, for comfort despite the luxury label. Also, high-vis motifs are light-reflective, allowing them to be worn day and night.
To celebrate the TechWear Wellness launch, the House is hosting pop-ups in Paris, Beijing, Shanghai, and Bangkok that feature all your favourite healthy beverages. There are smoothies in different flavours and health additives, detoxifying green juices, and ashwagandha-infused mango matcha — everything to keep you feeling refreshed and centred. Also offering all-natural ingredient pre- and post-workout bars, protein fixes are also supplied.
Taking this line straight into real-world application, Balenciaga is also taking over participating Barry’s fitness studios in Los Angeles, New York City, London, Paris, Milan, Dubai, Singapore, and Sydney — symbolising their true dedication to wellness. This means specialised workout classes, curated Balenciaga playlists, a Balenciaga x Barry’s smoothie, and new Balenciaga-esque decor.
Now available for purchase online, their new TechWear line marks their official place as one of haute couture’s most wellness-oriented brands, which honestly doesn’t stray too far from the look they’ve been sporting since its inception. Rather than reinventing itself, the House digs itself deeper into the sportswear realm, with clothes that are not just stylish but also designed to support a healthier lifestyle.
