Ultimate F1: Balenciaga’s $70K Shark Sculpture
Formula 1’s rise as a fashion-forward sport has blurred the lines between motorsport and high-end luxury. At the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Balenciaga made a bold statement with a $70,000 hammerhead shark sculpture, crafted by renowned Japanese artist Showichi Kaneda. Displayed exclusively at Balenciaga’s Wynn Plaza boutique, the piece wasn’t just an art installation; it was a striking metaphor for speed, innovation, and indulgence.
Part of Kaneda’s acclaimed “Human’s Own” series, the shark sculpture is made from meticulously designed and 3D-printed Formula 1 car parts, encased in resin for a sleek, polished finish. This blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern technology mimics the precision and artistry of both F1 and high fashion. The shark, emblazoned with Balenciaga logos, evokes the relentless forward momentum of F1—a nod to the species’ unique need to swim continuously to breathe.
The Las Vegas edition, a red-and-black masterpiece, has already sold, but another iteration will debut in Dubai and Abu Dhabi ahead of their Grand Prix events. These bespoke sculptures highlight Balenciaga’s ability to transform an already opulent sport into an artistic showcase of progress and luxury.
By pairing cutting-edge art with its new racing-inspired apparel collection, Balenciaga proves that in F1’s competitive world, creativity is the ultimate gear shift.
