BALENCIAGA | RACING SERIES
On November 22nd, 2024, a limited-edition series and an original artwork will be
featured in a launch event at Balenciaga Wynn Plaza in Las Vegas, celebrating the
world of formula racing.
The new Balenciaga Racing Series combines the multilayered structure of racing uniforms with the House’s directional volumes and treatments. The Unity Sports Icon Racer Jacket, T-shirt, and Zip-up Hoodie—available in a city exclusive red and black colorway—prominently feature Balenciaga’s signature Unity Sports Icon logo, which has its roots in sportswear iconography. The Racing Series will also be available at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace and The Shops at Crystals.
The new Balenciaga Racing Series combines the multilayered structure of racing uniforms with the House’s directional volumes and treatments. The Unity Sports Icon Racer Jacket, T-shirt, and Zip-up Hoodie—available in a city exclusive red and black colorway—prominently feature Balenciaga’s signature Unity Sports Icon logo, which has its roots in sportswear iconography. The Racing Series will also be available at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace and The Shops at Crystals.
The one-of-a-kind sculpture, made in collaboration with Japanese artist Showichi
Kaneda, will be showcased at the Wynn Plaza store until November 24th. For
Balenciaga, Kaneda has expanded his Human’s Own sculpture series, in which
formula racing car shapes resemble the bodies of hammerhead sharks—an animal
that must continuously swim forward to breathe. The collaborative work explores
concepts of speed, progress, survival, and desire in the context of fashion and
technology.
The Balenciaga-exclusive artwork, available in a Las Vegas-specific black and red iteration measuring 107cm x 38cm x 40cm, was first designed digitally so that each part could be 3D printed. The artist then refined the 3D prints entirely by hand before creating a silicon mold from them, resulting in the final shape, which is crafted in polyester resin.
The sculpture features Balenciaga logos throughout—inspired by sportswear branding—and the same paints and clear topcoat that are applied to racecars. It is finished with a high-gloss polish for an effect that is simultaneously evocative of traditional Japanese lacquerware craftsmanship, and automotive surface finishes.
The Balenciaga-exclusive artwork, available in a Las Vegas-specific black and red iteration measuring 107cm x 38cm x 40cm, was first designed digitally so that each part could be 3D printed. The artist then refined the 3D prints entirely by hand before creating a silicon mold from them, resulting in the final shape, which is crafted in polyester resin.
The sculpture features Balenciaga logos throughout—inspired by sportswear branding—and the same paints and clear topcoat that are applied to racecars. It is finished with a high-gloss polish for an effect that is simultaneously evocative of traditional Japanese lacquerware craftsmanship, and automotive surface finishes.
Courtesy the artist and Tokyo Gallery+BTAP, photo by Kei Okano