Balenciaga’s Under Armour Series Redefines Performance Wear
Balenciaga is no stranger to subverting sportswear. With hoodies, trackies, and oversized trainers the hallmarks of creative director Demna’s uniform, Balenciaga’s elevated approach to athleisure has built a global cult following and solidified the storied maison as one of the industry’s most influential brands. Partnering with American performance gear experts Under Armour, Demna is once again redefining luxury sportswear—defying conventions and elevating gym gear to new heights.
Blending technical sportswear with Demna’s bold, irreverent aesthetic, the collection reimagines gym essentials as statement-making pieces that push the limits of both form and function. Each item, from sculptural hoodies to structured track pants, is crafted to embody the edge Balenciaga is known for, with oversized logos and unexpected cuts bringing a fresh dimension, revitalising the workout uniform across men’s and women’s collections, trainers, and accessories.
At the heart of the collection are performance-driven base layers that capture the essence of both Balenciaga and Under Armour’s signature styles. As the foundation of the collaboration, it’s these versatile pieces that set the tone for the entire collection, alongside cleverly reversible garments, like windbreakers, quarter-zip pullovers, and track suit separates. A nylon track jacket transforms into a sleek denim zip-up, while other items feature soft jersey or fleece interiors that provide both comfort and an alternative look in one piece, while highlighting technical precision.
On the footwear front, co-branded special editions of Balenciaga’s iconic Runner, 3XL, and the new Hyper Sneaker bring an innovative blend of UA’s technical expertise and Balenciaga’s bold reimagining of classic sports silhouettes. The Hyper Sneaker, a new style developed for this collaboration, features an anatomically crafted, sock-like upper that hugs the foot, with ribbed material reinforced by glossy overlays and emblazoned with Balenciaga Under Armour co-branding.
The functionality of the Under Armour Series is showcased in the campaign by image-maker Joseph Kadow. The series of slow-motion shortfalls sees two models trade their runway strut for their best 100m dash, capturing the seamless blend of high-performance and high-fashion in every stride. With every movement frozen in time, the campaign highlights the collection’s versatility, emphasising the shift from catwalk couture to athletic agility, proving that style and function can coexist in perfect harmony.