In a bold fusion of art and speed, Balenciaga has partnered with Japanese artist Showichi Kaneda to turn automotive adrenaline into oceanic allure. Timed with the recent Grand Prix in Las Vegas, the fashion house didn’t just drop three new racing-inspired pieces—it unveiled a stunning shark sculpture priced at an eye-popping $70,000.
Situated in Balenciaga’s boutique at the Wynn Plaza on the Las Vegas Strip, Kaneda’s four-foot-long hammerhead shark isn’t just a display; it’s a statement. Crafted meticulously from Formula 1 car parts and stamped with Balenciaga’s logo, the sculpture embodies Kaneda’s exploration of “speed, progress, survival, and desire in the context of fashion and technology,” as the brand describes it. The hammerhead, a shark that must keep moving forward to breathe, mirrors the relentless pace of both high-speed racing and the fashion industry.
Kaneda’s process is as innovative as the piece itself. Starting with digital designs, he 3D-printed each component, refined them by hand, and assembled the pieces using silicone molds. Encased in resin, the sculpture boasts a sleek finish that echoes fresh car wax and traditional Japanese lacquer—bridging modern tech with classic craftsmanship.
Adding to the excitement, Balenciaga launched a limited-edition Racing series featuring a T-shirt, zip-up hoodie, and racer jacket. Each item sports the brand’s Unity sports line logo and incorporates elements from authentic racing gear. While they debuted during Grand Prix weekend, these pieces are still up for grabs in Las Vegas for those eager to snag a slice of this high-octane collaboration.
But the journey doesn’t stop in Vegas. A second edition of Kaneda’s shark, decked out in red and white, is set to make waves in Balenciaga’s Dubai and Abu Dhabi stores ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 8. A third, green-hued sculpture remains shrouded in mystery, adding a layer of intrigue to this global rollout.
This collaboration marks a pivotal shift for Balenciaga. Instead of borrowing from pop culture, the brand is allowing its own identity to be reimagined through art. By integrating their logo into Kaneda’s sculptures, they’re upcycling their iconography and fostering a fresh dialogue between fashion and contemporary art.
