Mumbo-Jumbo. Balenciaga Pre-Fall 2026

| Design & Culture by Ed

The more I live, the more I understand that compromise isn’t a good thing. And that becomes evident in Pierpaolo Piccioli’s second attempt at Balenciaga. You might remember that I wasn’t satisfied with what I saw at his debut. Yet I thought, with sincere hope, that first tries are difficult and that the next season would be better. And here we are with the brand’s co-ed pre-fall 2026 lookbook: a collection that once again feels like a chaotic mash-up of Demna, Nicolas Ghesquière, and – oh lord – Alexander Wang’s era at the house. The merchandise floor was far too involved in designing this collection, seemingly trying to please everyone at Kering. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.

ED’s SELECTION:

Balenciaga Le City Medium Textured-leather Tote


Balenciaga Belted Plush Coat


Balenciaga Avenue Palazzo Crystal-embellished Bow-detailed Satin Sandals


Balenciaga Cat-eye Printed Acetate Sunglasses


Balenciaga Cape-effect Floral-print Plissé-crepe Gown

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.
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Sale Favorites: Dries Van Noten

| Design & Culture by Ed

There are designer sales, and then there’s Dries Van Noten on sale, which feels less like a discount and more like a personal invitation to dress like yourself – just louder, smarter, and with witty textures. These are my Dries Van Noten sale favorites: pieces that don’t scream look at me wearing designer, but quietly insist this is who I am. Think art-school tailoring, poetic prints, and silhouettes that do the talking without overdressing the body – or the moment.

What makes Dries special (and why these pieces earn a permanent place in your wardrobe rotation) is their radical versatility. They slip seamlessly into real life: worn with denim, flats, yesterday’s confidence. They elevate without intimidating, express without costume, and let you experiment without feeling like you’re trying too hard. In true Dries Van Noten fashion, these are clothes that meet you where you are – and then gently encourage you to say a little more.

Dries Van Noten Tie-neck Stretch-silk Satin Dress


Dries Van Noten Teya Knit Scarf


Dries Van Noten Men’s Croom Cotton Floral-Graphic Dress Shirt


Dries Van Noten Velvet Midi Skirt


Dries Van Noten Python Stamped Leather Wedge Pumps


Dries Van Noten Cropped Crepe Blazer


Dries Van Noten Twist-front Gathered Silk-satin Jacquard Maxi Skirt


Dries Van Noten Felt Jacket


Dries Van Noten Gabrina Sequined Mini Wrap Skirt


Dries Van Noten Abstract-Print Ruched Maxi Skirt


Dries Van Noten Ruched Satin Mules

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.
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