The Racing Capsule Is Accompanied with a Sculpture by Showichi Kaneda
Balenciaga is pushing the intersection of formula racing and fashion with a limited-edition collection and a unique art installation, debuting at a special event on November 22, 2024, at its Wynn Plaza location in Las Vegas.
The Balenciaga Racing Series reimagines the layered aesthetic of racing uniforms through the brand’s avant-garde lens, blending functionality with its signature bold volumes and treatments. Key pieces in the collection include the Unity Sports Icon Racer Jacket, T-shirt, and Zip-up Hoodie, offered in an exclusive red-and-black colorway, paying homage to sportswear iconography. Each item prominently features Balenciaga’s Unity Sports Icon logo. The Racing Series will also be available at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace and The Shops at Crystals, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Adding to the allure of the event is a one-of-a-kind sculpture by Japanese artist Showichi Kaneda, on display at the Wynn Plaza store through November 24. Known for his Human’s Own series, Kaneda collaborates with Balenciaga to reinterpret formula racing cars as hammerhead shark-like forms—a nod to their constant motion, symbolizing speed, survival, and innovation.
Kaneda’s creation for Balenciaga is a striking black-and-red piece, custom-designed for Las Vegas. Measuring 107cm x 38cm x 40cm, the sculpture originated as a digital design, with components 3D printed and meticulously refined by hand. The final structure, crafted in polyester resin, is a testament to the fusion of cutting-edge technology and traditional craftsmanship.
The sculpture incorporates Balenciaga’s branding in a style inspired by sportswear and is coated with the same paints and finishes used in racecars. Its high-gloss surface evokes the artistry of traditional Japanese lacquerware while echoing the sleek, polished aesthetics of automotive design.
