Lorde Reigns again: New Zealand star redefines pop and fashion with 'Virgin'

On July 9, 2025, the renowned New Zealand singer Lorde made a striking appearance at Balenciaga’s final couture show under creative director Demna in Paris. Dressed in a stunning and audacious sheer crystallized chainmail dress layered over jeans and secured with black tape over her chest, Lorde captivated the fashion world with her blend of aesthetic boldness and understated rebellion.

A dazzling fashion moment

Lorde’s outfit perfectly mirrored the edgy, radical spirit of Demna’s decade-long tenure as Balenciaga’s artistic director. The singer’s long brunette hair styled in soft waves and her subtle makeup—featuring silver eyeshadow and terracotta blush—complemented the boldness of the look. Her appearance at the show was not only a fashion statement but also a symbolic alignment with Demna’s vision of pushing boundaries in high fashion.

The end of an era for Demna

This couture show marked the culmination of Demna’s influential run at Balenciaga before his transition to Gucci as creative director. Known for revolutionary designs and avant-garde presentations, Demna attracted a star-studded audience throughout his tenure, including celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Nicole Kidman, and pop star Aya Nakamura. Lorde’s choice to attend reflected her admiration for his work and the cultural significance of his final showcase.

Lorde – The Noble pop star

Ella Yelich-O'Connor, professionally known as Lorde, has risen to global acclaim since her debut at age 16. With noble undertones to her stage name, she has curated a distinct identity in the music world, marked by critical acclaim including two Grammy Awards and a Golden Globe nomination. Her style and music reflect a blend of contemporary relevance and a challenge to traditional norms, much like her daring fashion choices.

Aligning music and fashion

Lorde’s presence at the Balenciaga show was a testament to her place in the intersection of music, fashion, and cultural commentary. Like Demna, she combines radical aesthetics with media visibility, embracing roles that challenge and redefine femininity and public persona. Her latest album, "Virgin," topped the UK charts and represents her artistic evolution as she enters a global tour.

In essence, Lorde’s appearance at Balenciaga’s July 2025 couture show was more than a celebrity sighting—it was a celebration of bold artistry, the closing chapter of a fashion era, and the continued rise of a pop culture icon unafraid to blend and transcend artistic realms.