And…roll credits! Pierpaolo Piccioli recently unveiled his latest women’s ready-to-wear collection for Balenciaga, titled ClairObscur. This collection is a dedication to illuminating forms of character through the exploration of shadows, drawing inspiration from the dramatic tenebrism of Caravaggio. In order to infuse some contemporary dramatic flair into his creations, Piccioli collaborated with Sam Levinson, the creator of the popular TV series Euphoria.
The collaboration between Piccioli and Levinson has been in the works for several months. While working on the Balenciaga project, Levinson has also been preparing for the release of the highly anticipated third season of Euphoria, set to premiere on HBO on April 12. The new season promises a return of familiar faces like Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer, and Colman Domingo, as they navigate a “cascade of trouble” in Levinson’s world.
Prior to the show, Piccioli and Levinson sat down to shed some light on how the filmmaker came to direct the environment for the fashion-maker’s new-season story. They discussed how they merged their sensibilities by incorporating sounds and imagery from Euphoria into the world of Balenciaga. The following conversation, lightly edited, provides insight into their creative process.
Sam Levinson: Pierpaolo has been a part of my life for a long time, even before we formally met. He played a significant role in one of the most memorable moments of my life when my wife wore a dress designed by him at our wedding. We officially met during season two of Euphoria, and our connection was instant. We bonded over our shared interests in cinema, photography, art, and the human experience.
Pierpaolo Piccioli: Our collaboration was a natural progression of our friendship and shared interests. I have always admired Sam’s work, especially Euphoria, and I wanted to capture the essence of this generation in my collection. Sam has a unique ability to find light in darkness and explore the emotional depth of his characters. I aimed to mirror this human perspective in my designs, creating a fresco of humanity that celebrates resilience and the pursuit of new opportunities.
The collaboration between Piccioli and Levinson not only brings together their creative visions but also highlights the intersection of fashion and storytelling. By merging their talents, they have created a collection that transcends traditional boundaries and offers a fresh perspective on contemporary culture. As ClairObscur makes its debut, it serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and the endless possibilities when art forms converge.
