Balenciaga Centers Real Couples in Winter 2019 RTW Campaign

Paris is much more than the idealized vision that most around the world have etched in their heads. Beyond the glossy, rose-colored veneer is a multi-faceted city just like any other, where romance isn't simply the result of magic -- whether in bloom, fully flowered, or wilting -- but a phenomenon that takes work to thrive.

In Balenciaga's Winter 2019 Ready-to-Wear campaign, the fashion house's designer Demna Gvasalia set out to show that real life can be just as beautiful and inviting, if not more, than the fantasy. Famed wedding photographer Greg Finck depicts the pairs with his signature soft-focus flair for destinations while infusing the grittiness of street-style shots. This gorgeous marriage was officiated, er ... directed, by London's Ed Fornieles.

While featuring a number of staple models from the Balenciaga runway, Gvasalia incorporated their actual partners into the campaign. And what's even more beautiful is that same-gender couples are unabashedly centered in this beautiful wintery vision. Fresh off of World Pride, Balenciaga is showing that all shades of romance exist in Paris, if you just open your eyes enough to see beyond the surface.

The Balenciaga Winter 2019 print and video campaigns will appear worldwide in physical spaces, publications, and various platforms online starting July 18.

Pictured, David & Antoine.

Ysanny & Arina

Chu & David

Kelvin & Ariana

Dorothy & Landy