Michelle Yeoh Stuns in Balenciaga Creations for "Star Trec: Section 31"
- DASSARIS
- Jan 25
- 3 min read
Editorial Series: Culture of Luxury
Michelle Yeoh, the Oscar-winning actress and global face of Balenciaga, has brought high fashion into the cosmos with her latest project, Star Trek: Section 31. Premiering on Paramount+, the fim reunites Yeoh with costume designer Gersha Phillips, and together, they've collaborated with Balenciaga to create bold, futuristic looks that seamlessly blend fashion and functionality.
Futuristic Elegance Meets the Final Frontier
After their initial collaboration on Star Trek: Discovery, Yeoh and Phillips aimed to push creative boundaries with Section31. Yeoh, whose character Philippa Georgiou is central to the narrative, knew the film demanded costumes would amplify the character's complexity while feeling relevant to a futuristic world.
"When we were preparing for Section 31, there were key people I needed to bring back for both continuity and creativity", Yeoh shared. "Gersha Phillips was one of them. And since i had become the face of Balenciaga, it felt like the perfect opportunity to merge the brand's innovative vision with the Star Trek universe".
Balenciaga's creative director, Demna, is renowned for his avant-garde approach, with Phillips believed would suit the movie's aesthetic. After attending a Balenciaga show in Paris, Phillips dove into the brand's archives, combining the house's DNA with the individuality and grit of the film's characters.
A Universe Without Uniforms
Unlike previous Star Trek films, Section 31, lacks the iconic uniforms typically associated with the francise. Instead, the film's characters are presented as a diverse, unconventional group, reflecting their unique backgrounds and personalities.
"This world just doesn't have uniforms", explained Phillips. "It's a ragtag, individualistic group that gave us the freedom to explore each character's style. The collaboration with Balenciaga made these designs even more special".
One standout moment was seeing Yeoh try on her costume for the first time. "Michelle is incredible during fittings. She moves, tests the fabrics, and really brings her characters to life", Phillips said.
Fashion That Packs a Punch
Among the standout looks is a multifunctional outfit that Yeoh described as both stunning and practical. "Her costume is not just for walking through her glamorous nightclub - it's practical and lethal", Yeoh explained. "For instance, the chocker transforms into a weapon, turning her into a literal walking arsenal".
Another breathtaking piece was a reimagined black velvet gown that had once graced a red carpet. For the film, the gown was reconstructed with rhinestones and a dramatic train. "The gown is built on a cage-like structure, almost like a corset, which holds it perfectly in place. It was so heavy that three people had to lift it out of the box", Phillips recalled with a laugh.
These bold design choices reflect not only the character's personalities but also the innovative spirit of Balenciaga, which continues to redefine luxury through unexpected collaborations.
A Seamless Fusion of Fashion and Cinema
The collaboration between Balenciaga and Star Trek: Section 31 is a testament to how fashion and cinema can inspire one another. Yeoh and Phillips' shared vision brought a new dimension to the fim, combining the glamour of haute couture with the grit and functionality needed in a sci-fi epic.
"We had so much fun with the costumes", Yeoh said. "It's not just about aesthetics; it's about storytelling through every detail, from the fabric to the way the pieces move on screen".
This fusion of futuristic storytelling and high fashion marks a new chapter in cinematic costume design, solidifying Star Trec: Section 31 as not only a visual feast for fans but also a creative milestone for the fashion world.
Discover more about the intersection of luxury, art, and storytelling in our series, Culture of Luxury, only on DASSARIS.
