A piece from Nicolas Ghesquière’s revolutionary early tenure at Balenciaga, this Fall 2001 runway sweater captures the designer’s instinct for sculptural minimalism and sensual subversion. Rendered in deep inky black wool, it is meticulously knit to create an elongated, elegant silhouette that contours the body with architectural precision.
The sweater is distinguished by dramatic cut-out shoulders, a bold yet refined signature of the collection that nods to futurism and structured femininity. The high rolled turtleneck frames the neckline with quiet severity, while the extended sleeves — styled on the runway by ruched for volume and texture — elongate the arms, enhancing the sleek proportions.
A ribbed bodice cinches subtly at the waist, creating a sculpted hourglass shape that echoes Ghesquière’s couture-level understanding of structure. Expertly balanced between restraint and daring, the piece channels the designer’s modernist codes: clean lines, unexpected exposure, and intelligent sensuality.
Part sweater, part sculpture, this archival treasure remains one of Ghesquière’s most iconic knitwear innovations — a true collectible from the early years that defined 21st-century Balenciaga.

Black wool knit with ribbed waist structure
Cold-shoulder cut-out design
Rolled turtleneck collar
Elongated sleeves with sculptural ruched effect
Size FR 38sw