HOW MIU MIU REPLACED BALENCIAGA AS THE ‘IT’ BRAND

As one fashion tycoon rises, another must fall. In the ever-changing fashion landscape, no throne is permanent. Balenciaga, once the ultimate hot brand, is paying the price of provocative. Once dominating cultural conversations with viral moments, cult pieces (City Bag anyone?) and celebrity endorsements, the lights at Balenciaga seemed to have gone out. 

So, what happened to Balenciaga? Since that public scandal, Balenciaga has fallen from grace. Coupled with public outrage and the rise of quiet luxury, which is in stark contrast to Balenciaga’s aesthetic – cashmere doesn’t necessarily go with slime-green croc skin stiletto boots – Balenciaga’s reign could be over.

Consumers are now seeking more wearable, timeless pieces and aligning themselves with brands like The Row that embrace subtle elegance instead of loud extravagance… no shade!

The Brand of The Moment: Miu Miu

Balenciaga has failed to capture the spirit of the moment. Enter Miu Miu, which has captured the way people truly dress. Miu Miu was named the hottest brand of the year for the third year, running by the Lyst index. This accolade solidifies its dominance, but a scroll on social media could have affirmed that for you. It seems safe to say Balenciaga's reign is well and truly over. 

How Did Balenciaga Become Irrelevant?

Critics have labelled Balenciaga’s recent offerings as repetitive and uninspired. At the SS25 collections in Paris, Miu Miu was the brand to watch. Clothes aside, look at Balenciaga’s casting of Romeo Beckham versus Miu Miu’s casting of Troye Sivan - an irrelevant Nepo baby versus the it-boy of the moment. This sentiment is echoed through both brands' collaborations. Miu Miu created the viral shoe of the moment with the Miu Miu x New Balance trainers, which have been everywhere this autumn, and we expect to see them everywhere through winter. Whereas this year, Balenciaga collaborated with… Need for Speed? A videogame?

Miu Miu's Bag Offerings
Miu Miu has managed to assert its cultural dominance through trending and trendy pieces. As well as the Miu Miu x New Balance shoes, Miu Miu revealed an array of handbags on its SS25 runway, including familiar favourites fans of the brand would recognise and soon-to-be icons. Bags featured include Wander hobo mini-bag, Arcadie leather bag, Matelassé bag, and the suede Adventure bag.

Is Balenciaga Over Forever?

Fashion is cyclical. The Spanish fashion house once had the world in its latex-clad hand, with everyone and their mother lusting after a City Bag and pair of Triple S shoes, but the reception has gone cold. Was it THAT scandal that ruined the brand’s reputation for good, over-exposure, or simply a change in public tastes, with preferences leaning towards other luxury brands like Miu Miu, Prada, Loewe, and The Row?