Fashion house Balenciaga has unveiled a collaboration with British artist Damien Hirst titled Damienciaga — a neologism combining the artist's name and the brand. The project commemorates the 25th anniversary of the iconic Le City bag, which has become one of the house's most recognizable accessories since its launch. For this anniversary capsule, Hirst has reimagined the model's classic design, incorporating motifs from his most celebrated artworks, with the collection released as a limited edition.
Hirst's artistic language on leather
The leather Le City models now feature Hirst’s signature artistic elements: multicolored dots, butterfly silhouettes, mandalas, appliqués, and hand-painted decorative details. Some items are adorned with the artist's characteristic color-spot compositions, while others feature patterns composed of butterfly wings. Beyond bags, the Damienciaga collaboration extends to other wardrobe items, including footwear and ties. Each piece in the collection is marked with the Damienciaga label, underscoring the collaborative nature of the project.
Le City House: pop-up spaces in six cities
The collaboration is part of a larger Balenciaga program dedicated to the Le City anniversary. The brand is launching a series of pop-up spaces called Le City House in Paris, New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing, and Seoul. The first opened on November 10 at the historic fashion house building on Avenue George V in Paris and will remain open until November 19. The exhibition includes the first bag prototype created in 2001, rare archival models, and personal items belonging to celebrities who have worn Le City over the years.
Personalization as a core concept
A special emphasis in the program is placed on accessory personalization. Visitors to Le City House can update the lacing on their bag handles, select decorative charms, or have their initials embossed on the signature mirror. The space also offers leather care services, turning the visit into a full-service experience rather than just a collection showcase.
The history of the model that changed the brand's aesthetic
The Le City bag was created in 2001 by then-creative director of Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquière. The model was distinguished by its soft leather, metal hardware, signature lacing, and a relaxed aesthetic often compared to motorcycle style. Supermodel Kate Moss was one of the first fans of the accessory, after which the bag quickly entered the wardrobes of stars: over the years it has been worn by Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, the Olsen sisters, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
For the 25th anniversary of Le City, Balenciaga does not simply look back at an archival model but invites us to view it as an object of art and a tool for individual expression. The collaboration with Hirst, the limited collection, and the Le City House network form a multi-layered program in which the iconic 2001 accessory is reinterpreted through the lens of contemporary art and personal design.
