JAY JAY JOHANSON & BALENCIAGA
Jay-Jay Johanson and Balenciaga share a creative bond rooted in mood, style, and emotion. On a cool autumn night in Stockholm, Jay-Jay Johanson sips champagne at a piano bar, blending noir moods with jazzy notes. His sound is hard to pin down—like a dreamy mix of Chet Baker’s soul and Hitchcock’s suspense. As Johanson puts it, “Music’s like a cocktail—sparkly, dramatic, and a little sad.” That’s exactly what makes his work so unforgettable.
“Balenciaga’s been a love affair for years,” says Johanson. “To work with them? Absolute magic.” Their collaboration merges his haunting, cinematic music with Demna’s avant-garde fashion, creating what he calls “couture for the ears.”
Jay Jay Johanson: A Music between Melancholy and Optimism.
Over time, Jay-Jay Johanson has crafted more than just albums—he has built emotional landscapes. For instance, he doesn’t simply write lyrics; he creates soundtracks for the human experience. Moreover, his influences range from vintage film scores to classical compositions, adding layers of depth to each track. His music videos follow suit: hypnotic, elegant, and always personal.
Even so, it’s his partnership with Balenciaga that marks a new creative chapter. While Demna redefines modern fashion, Johanson scores the emotional undercurrent. As a result, their work feels immersive—rich with feeling and full of edge.
Jay-Jay Johanson continues to create with soul and intention. Whether arranging a melody or working with Balenciaga, his art always strikes a chord—balancing melancholy with elegance.
In an age of noise and speed, Jay-Jay Johanson and Balenciaga offer something rare: mood, meaning, and a style that lingers long after the music fades.
In the end, Jay-Jay Johanson and Balenciaga prove that true style is timeless—much like a quiet evening at Hotel Lutetia, where stories, like songs, echo with elegance.
Read the full interview by Patrick Duffy now when you order your copy of the TECHNE ISSUE
CREDITS:
Shot & Art Directed by FRENCH COWBOY A Julien Crouïgneau & Mia Macfarlane Creation
Interview by PATRICK DUFFY
Stylist & Producer VIKTOR KOZAK
Makeup NADIA KYRYCHENKO
Photo Assistant MARGHERITA ZOPPI
Stylist Assistant JACQUES TU
Special thanks to HÔTEL LUTETIA & BALENCIAGA AND JAY JAY JOHANSON
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Patrick Duffy is the founder of Global Fashion Exchange, a company catalyzing positive impact through strategic consulting roadmaps focusing on supply chain transparency, worker rights, responsible production for B2B as well as consumer facing programming and community building focusing on aligning people or communities with the SDGs.
Experience developing networks and activating ideas, guiding creative teams globally, and working with institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum and UNESCO, and iconic spaces such as Federation Square Melbourne, Madison Square Garden, Bryant Park in New York City, and The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Patrick has produced clothing swaps all over the world from, with GFX Active in over 100 countries. Each GFX event focuses on building community, education and transformational business models. Partnering with global brands, key stakeholders, and academia to help create awareness and positive impact through conscious consumption
Patrick harnesses the power of media to create positive social and environmental impact. Through storytelling, education, and advocacy, he raises awareness, inspires action, to catalyze change. By highlighting issues and solutions, Patrick creates strategic campaigns to engage audiences, influence attitudes and behaviors, and contribute to a more sustainable and just world. Additionally, Patrick is the Sustainability and Positive Impact Director of Paris based @IRKMagazine and Editor In Chief of @IRKLiving
Patrick has produced and co-curated events and marketing/PR campaigns for recognized brands across art, fashion, and tech spaces including @virginhotels @britishfashioncouncil @mspdid @moethennessy @microsoft @lagosfashionweekofficial @perutradenyc @fashionimpactfund @istitutomarangonidubai @peaceboatus @lisboafashionweek and more spanning 15 years and hundreds of events in 5 continents.
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