PHOTO COURTESY OF BALENCIAGA
When Balenciaga announced that Pierpaolo Piccioli would succeed Demna, the industry expected a dramatic shift. Would street-cool style give way to sweeping taffeta couture romance? Instead, his debut proves both can coexist with ease. That balance comes into focus with the launch of the Triple S.2 Gradient Sneaker.
Rather than disrupt, the sneaker is more like an evolvution of an icon. Firstly, a breathable mesh upper keeps things light and practical. Meanwhile, a complex three-layer outsole delivers genuine comfort underfoot. Piccioli makes it clear that at Balenciaga, style should feel wearable, not merely performative.
Details sharpen the message further. A new lacing system introduces nine fabric eyelets for a technical finish. Bi-coloured laces, inspired by hiking boots, add subtle contrast. Altogether, the Triple S.2 Gradient Sneaker feels ready to claim It-shoe status across the city.
Colourways further extend the personality range. For men, Gradient Grey fades from industrial charcoal to misty silver, while Grey/Green carries flashes of neon. Black/Dark Grey stays classic and grounded. For women, Eggshell and Purple lean softer, reflecting Piccioli’s romantic sensibility, all finished with a cool, worn-in effect.
For now, Balenciaga offers the Triple S.2 Gradient Sneaker via pre-order at SGD1390. Each pair blends utility, nostalgia and modern proportion. The finish looks lived-in from day one, yet the design feels distinctly forward.
