Pierpaolo Piccioli stepping into Balenciaga territory was always going to come with a question mark. Would he soften the edges or sharpen them further? This new sneaker campaign offers a first clue. It is not a reinvention. It is a recalibration. And leading the charge, somewhat unexpectedly but not unwelcome, is Katy Perry, flanked by Yao Chen and Hugo Ekitike.
The result feels less like a campaign and more like a mood board for modern discipline. Sweat, repetition, and yes, a little glamour.
The Shoes Doing the Talking
Let’s start from the ground up. The Radar sneaker is Balenciaga’s answer to the slim sneaker obsession currently sweeping fashion. It is lean, slightly aggressive, and laced twice for no reason other than it looks good. The outsole wraps just enough to feel technical without tipping into full performance cosplay.
Then there is the Triple S.2. A sequel to a shoe that arguably broke the internet back in 2017. This version is bigger, busier, and somehow more controlled. Sixty eight pieces go into each pair, which sounds excessive until you see how the layers stack and breathe. Mesh panels, radiant striping, and that signature exaggerated sole all remain, but there is a new precision here. It feels edited.
Casting That Knows the Assignment
Perry jump roping in full Balenciaga is not something you knew you needed, but here we are. She leans into the idea of discipline as self respect, which could sound like a Pinterest quote but lands with surprising sincerity. There is a lightness to her presence. Not overly styled, not overly serious.
Yao Chen brings a quieter intensity. She feels grounded, almost cinematic. Meanwhile, Ekitike delivers the kind of effortless athleticism that fashion campaigns try and often fail to fake.
Shot by Mark Peckmezian and paired with video work from Mitch Ryan, the visuals avoid gloss in favor of something more tactile. You can almost hear the rope hitting the ground.
Styling Notes Worth Stealing
The styling leans into hybrid dressing. Think performance wear meeting luxury minimalism. Sleek leggings with structured outerwear. Oversized tops with hyper considered sneakers. It is gym adjacent, not gym required.
Also worth noting. These sneakers are not background players. They anchor every look. You build around them or you do not bother showing up.
Final Take
Balenciaga’s latest sneaker push is less about shock and more about stamina. It trades spectacle for consistency, and surprisingly, that feels like the boldest move of all.
Credits
Designer / Brand: Balenciaga (Creative Direction by Pierpaolo Piccioli)
Season / Year: Fall 2026
Campaign Location: Global Campaign Release
Category: Sneaker Campaign / Ready To Wear Hybrid
