Balenciaga has officially claimed the title of the world’s most popular brand, surpassing even Gucci, which has dominated for the past two years thanks to Alessandro Michele’s eccentric universe and collaborations like The North Face with Harry Styles. The ranking, compiled quarterly by the search engine Lyst, reflects global shopping trends and online searches, giving insights into the brands that capture both public and celebrity attention.
This quarter, Balenciaga’s innovative approach, including a return to haute couture after 53 years, high-profile collaborations with Fortnite and Kanye West’s Donda album, and a lineup featuring several Norwegian models, pushed the French fashion house to the top. Model agencies and modeling professionals worldwide have noted the brand’s strong influence, as Balenciaga campaigns increasingly feature prominent models, creating buzz both on the runway and online.
Celebrity endorsements continue to amplify the brand’s reach. Kim Kardashian and Rihanna chose Balenciaga for this year’s Met Gala, generating viral memes and social media posts. Searches for Balenciaga surged by 505 percent following the event, demonstrating how models, celebrities, and brand collaborations drive consumer interest. For instance, Kim Kardashian’s all-black Balenciaga outfit, designed by creative director Demna Gvasalia, reportedly cost over 85,000 kroner, showcasing how fashion, models, and model agencies together shape high-end desirability.
Balenciaga, founded in 1919 by Cristobal Balenciaga in Spain and now Paris-based, continues to innovate while embracing ethical trends, such as dropping real fur. Their creative shows, including a special episode featuring The Simpsons, highlight how modern modeling, models, and fashion storytelling engage both traditional audiences and new generations. Gucci may have slipped to second place this quarter, with Dior, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and others rounding out the top ten, yet Balenciaga’s ability to combine star power, modeling talent, and creative spectacle keeps it at the forefront of global fashion.
Modeling professionals and agencies looking to stay ahead recognize the impact of such trends, as the integration of models, celebrity endorsements, and viral campaigns defines today’s fashion hierarchy. Balenciaga’s success demonstrates that the synergy between models, model agencies, and high-concept design is central to building a brand that dominates both searches and cultural influence worldwide.
