Balenciaga is relaunching their iconic Le City bag with help from Kim Kardashian, Nicola Peltz and Patricia Field. The label’s new “Closet” campaign, lensed by Inez & Vinoodh, was revealed on Tuesday, just one day after Kardashian was announced as Balenciaga’s latest brand ambassador.
The 2024 iteration of Le City, crafted from Arena leather, takes inspiration from archival designs, featuring vintage details including large studs, laced zipper pulls and lacquered leather handles and straps.
Kardashian poses in her own closet, while Field, Peltz, model Paloma Elsesser, actress Roh Yoon Seo and influencer Devon Lee Carlson stand on sets displaying shelves full of Balenciaga handbags, including newer signatures like the Le Cagole and the Hourglass.
Originally launched by creative director Nicolas Ghesquière in 2000, Balenciaga’s Le City bag became a staple in the early 2000s, with supermodel Kate Moss setting the trend. It only went into production after receiving her blessing: Moss spotted the bag during a Balenciaga show and ordered one directly from Ghesquière, changing executives’ tune when they thought it wouldn’t sell.
After it was photographed on the arms of several celebrities, the Le City became one of Balenciaga’s most popular styles, spawning spin-offs including the Le Cagole and the Neo Cagole.
Kardashian has a history with Balenciaga: she’s attended shows wrapped in branded caution tape, gone to the Met Gala in a head-to-toe body stocking and walked their couture runway in 2022, fronting the label’s winter and spring campaigns that same year. As an ambassador, Kardashian joins a star-studded roster that includes Nicole Kidman, Michelle Yeoh and Isabelle Huppert.
“For several years now, Balenciaga’s designs have been a part of my many looks — and some of my most iconic fashion moments,” Kardashian said in a statement. “This historic fashion house embraces modernity, craftsmanship and takes an innovative approach to design under Demna.
“For me, this longstanding relationship is built on mutual trust and a commitment to doing what’s right. I’m excited about this next chapter for the brand and to become their ambassador,” she added.
