Guests had to stand up and gaze into the distance, feeling a sense of unfulfilled anticipation.

"Shanghai is the beginning of a new trilogy for me. This collection creates a new precise equilibrium within my vision for Balenciaga: Elegance, formal and casual, modern wardrobe and heritage are all in a balanced mix in this show," says Demna, the 43-year-old artistic director.

"It's a new chapter and direction where I'm taking Balenciaga: Streetwear, formal-wear, evening-wear and couture have a certain elegance between all these different facets of my aesthetic and my style. I love that it starts here in Shanghai, a city that feels like the future."

When building the Spring 2025 collection, he aimed to create a style and aesthetic that would resonate in Shanghai.

"There was a quite complex development on silhouettes and shape using innovative techniques and materials. In the first part of the collection, we explored vertically stretching the silhouette making looks that are monumental in their volume inspired by Shanghai Pudong high-rises," he explains.

It's the first time that Demna visited China. He says he loves the idea of having a dialogue with a Chinese audience.

"They are very forward in their appreciation of fashion and have a very modern view on it. I know that people who wear Balenciaga in China are very daring when it comes to fashion, and I really love that. I am super curious about how they see fashion and the work we do," Demna says.

"Everything interests me about China, and the first impression it made on me is the intense diversity. There is such a mix of different things and so much going on here and so much energy compared to Switzerland or Paris where I live and work. I've never been to a place like this before."