Honey Valentine Gonzales, better known as the Beyoncé-approved vogueing superstar Honey Balenciaga, is a diva every day, but for the Mugler show, the drama needs to be turned up to eleven. “I tend to embody the character of a full-fledged diva, fashion show or not—the character though depends on the designer and the house,” she says. It’s a practiced routine, and the Ballroom star has it down to a science. “I get ready like any other normal day—wake up, skincare routine, and a morning stretch to center myself and set an intention for the day,” she tells Vogue before the Mugler show in Paris.
Balenciaga, who first encountered the Mugler team while dancing on the Renaissance World Tour, joined the likes of Cardi B, Laverne Cox, and Dara Allen in the front row. “I loved the custom looks during the Renaissance World Tour,” she says. “My admiration for Mugler goes back to Thierry himself, who blazed the pathway for placing trans women on the runway—icons like Connie Flemming and new dolls like Alex Consani, and Collin Jones. So it’s beautiful to see these girls hit the runway and the brand still committed to inclusivity.”
Although the show may be over, Balenciaga is ready to party it up in Paris. “Every time I come to Paris it’s always been quick,” she says. “Finally, this Paris Fashion Week, I’m enjoying the quality of food and having a kiki with the dolls in Paris.” After all, as Balenciaga puts it: “Ain’t nothing like sharing a martini with the French girlz.” Follow along with Honey Balenciaga as she gets ready for the Mugler spring 2025 show in Paris.
