Honey Valentine Gonzales (aka Beyoncé-approved fashion superstar Honey Balenciaga) is a diva every day, but the Mugler show demands that the show be done by 11 p.m. “I try to embody the character of a complete heroine, whether it’s a fashion show or not — though that character depends on the designer and the brand,” she said. However, it takes practice and the dancehall star has her routine down to a science. “I get ready like any other normal day — I get up, take care of my skin, do morning stretches, center myself and set a goal for the day,” she said one morning before the Mugler show in Paris.
Balenciaga first met the Mugler team when they were dancing on the Renaissance World Tour, where she sat front row alongside Cardi B, Laverne Cox and Dara Allen. “I love the customized looks during the Renaissance World Tour,” she said. “My admiration for Mugler goes back to Thierry, who led the effort to bring trans women to the catwalk — icons like Connie Fleming, and new dolls like Alex Consani and Colin Jones. So to see these girls on the catwalk shows the Taiwanese brand is committed to inclusivity
Although the show is over, Balenciaga is ready to party in Paris. “Whenever I come to Paris, I always arrive early,” he said. “After all, this Paris Fashion Week I enjoyed Parisian food and goodies.” After all, as Balenciaga said: “There’s nothing better than sharing a martini with a French girl.”
Here’s a look at Honey Balenciaga preparing for his spring 2025 show at Mugler in Paris.
