Balenciaga

Feb 2026

For the Balenciaga Heart and Body Summer 2026 ad campaign, creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli leans into a raw, introspective minimalism that prioritizes human emotion and material texture. Captured by photographer David Sims, the campaign utilizes a series of intimate portraits and editorial-style shots that oscillate between clinical studio strobe environments and cool, industrial spaces. By pairing an eclectic cast—including Winona Ryder, Harris Dickinson, and Danielle Deadwyler—against neutral, pale backdrops, the collection highlights the tactile nature of structured leather garments, opera gloves, and ornate accessories. The aesthetic thrives on the tension between the subjects' composed, pensive expressions and the high-fashion silhouettes of the pieces themselves. The visual narrative channels a quiet power, often utilizing soft, natural light to emphasize the interplay between skin and leather, or the rigid geometry of a crystal-encrusted visor. Whether featuring mid-shot portraits or wider compositions in minimalist concrete rooms, the execution remains steadfast in its editorial minimalism. This project successfully positions Balenciaga at the intersection of avant-garde structure and relatable human vulnerability, creating a campaign that feels both detached and deeply personal. Through expert use of light and focus, the imagery transforms wardrobe staples into sculptural objects, cementing a sophisticated visual identity for the season that feels both modern and timelessly grounded.

Vertical, Commercial, Editorial, Commercial, Vertical, Editorial, Commercial, Editorial

Natural light

Luxury Fashion Houses, Fashion