In a busy week of launches of new fashion campaigns, no label quite matches the star power of Balenciaga which on Thursday unveiled an ambassadorial trilogy – Isabelle Huppert, Kim Kardashian and Naomi Watts – in its latest ad series.

Each star seen holding an example of the brand’s new iconic Rodeo Bag in a series of photographs shot by Nadav Kander. The house has named the shoot The Characters Campaign.
 
The campaign, which launches Thursday, July 18, 2024, underlines Balenciaga’s powerful pulling power when it comes to leading actresses and global celebrities. Huppert has won best actress twice at the Cannes Film Festival and the Césars, France’s top cinema award; Watts has been twice nominated for a best actress Oscar; Kardashian has 362 million Instagram followers.

Both Huppert and Kardashian have modeled in runway shows of Balenciaga, designed by the house’s Georgian-born creative director Demna.
 
“Each star shows a facet of herself by creating a character study, sitting in a simple chair on a white seamless. She is dressed in signature Balenciaga ready-to-wear: hybrid garments, kick silhouettes, evening dresses, and Knife stilettos,” noted the Paris-based house in its release.

 
On each characters’ lap sits the Rodeo Bag, crafted in calfskin with a matte finish. Its singular construction, versatile closure system, pre-worn accordion pleats, softened piping, and raw edges designed to evoke the relaxed sensation associated with a favorite item worn daily or an heirloom passed between generations, the maison explained.
 
Originally founded in 1919 in San Sebastian by Cristobal Balenciaga, the house opened its couture business in Paris in 1937 on Avenue George V. Cristobal going on to become one of the half dozen most influential fashion designers of the past 100 years.
 
The house today is part of the Kering luxury group, which also includes Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and Alexander McQueen.