Packaging provides the theme for the BALENCIAGA Autumn/Winter Collection 2010-2011 – wrapping the body and its contours as though for personal protection – from cosmonauts’ suits in 1970s foam rubber mesh, compressed gazar silk flowers with padded tuck stitching and hunting outfits, lingerie dressed with quilting, laser-perforated lingerie, to surfing wetsuits turned inside out like the skin of a rabbit on immaculate poplin printed with texts describing art exhibitions, like Warholian jumpsuits with solemn necklines inspired by the severe ethos of Zurbaran. The collection finishes with three silhouettes illustrating the intended spirit: packaging, bubble, paper leather and padding.

Artistic inspiration has been drawn from two worlds. The first is that of pop art and contemporary art, explored and reworked using modern-day materials, giving the impression of a garment put together, made up of interlocking parts. The ‘wrapping’ or ‘packaging’ aspect can be found in the use of materials such as sleeping bags or coated fabric, but also in prints reminiscent of truck tarpaulins.