We often think of hype as the antithesis of timelessness, especially in fashion.

But how can one brand straddle both?

This year, Balenciaga managed to show its first couture collection since founder Christabel Balenciaga

closed the Atelier in 1968, link up with Kanye West for the launch

of his album, Donda, launch a collaboration with Fortnite, including virtual fashion, and dressed

Kim Kardashian for her viral Met Gala ensemble. And then came The Simpsons film, which premiered

at Paris Fashion Week after an ingenious runway show on a red carpet.

Today, I speak to Cedric Sharbet, Valenciaga's CEO, to learn about his business vision and how a soon 103-year-old luxury house continues to shape the discourse.

Here's Cedric Sharbett at Voices 2021,

BOF's annual gathering for big thinkers. Everyone is talking about Belenziaga right now because it's

kind of managed to pierce the consciousness of fashion across a wide variety of areas, as I just mentioned.

And I want to get to that.

But first, I want to talk to you about the last 18 months.

You know, you're the CEO of this, like, highly watched brand.

Like, what were the lessons that you learned running your business at a time when, you know, all of the things

that Akim and I were just discussing, you know, you have to manage those things every day.

Like, what have you learned how to manage in this period of such uncertainty?

A lot of learnings. And the biggest one for me is that the mindset and remaining of course agile

and have a mindset that allows you to navigate through tough times is key. I am extremely

lucky to be part of a group like caring where you feel empowered and supported and also to be able

to do this duo,

tandem, like, very nice duo with Demna.

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