Nicolas Ghesquière turned to Balenciaga’s archives for some of his looks for cruise — a collection that pushed the season in a wonderfully flamboyant direction. Voluminous skirts and shorts were paired with tops and coats that echoed the house’s signature egg shape, specifically the cream Ottoman Edition coat from 1967, while kimono-like shirts featured graphic elements, some which were inspired by Balenciaga’s 1961 painterly “bric” print. The full A-line skirts were worked in umbrella shapes and done in various silk blends, while the very voluptuous “double” shorts — inspired by famous Balenciaga client Mona von Bismarck who frequently wore shorts while gardening — were shown cuffed on the sides to reveal a silk twill boxer-style lining. Some looks were paired with paper-thin quilted leather jackets lined in linen and topped off with futuristic clear plastic visors to create a racy-sporty effect that Ghesquière dubbed “Sport Silk.” As for the accessories, there were leather boots and pumps with baroque wavy heels and bags in padded leather resembling car upholstery.