BALENCIAGA THE MASTER

Balenciaga , just rolls of the tongue , much like how the masters work just rolls with the body. Since it is the centennial of the great Spanish designer Christobal Baienciaga, I too have decided to celebrate . The fact the label of Balenciaga is still in use today may well be a surprise to the designer himself.

It was once said, that when a woman wearing a Balenciaga gown walks into a room, there is no other woman there. His clothes were so elegant, grand and perfectly made, that he alone was known as "The Master".  He had a reputation as a couturier of uncompromising standards . He was referred to as "the master of us all" by Christian Dior.

BALENCIAGA THE EXHIBIT

Therefore in celebration the Victoria and Albert museum in London has staged an exhibition showing 100 dresses by Balanciaga. The first is a pea green bubble dress from 1961. Above all else you can see the developement of the great designer throughtout the years. While I have studied fashion history, it is evident to the most novice viewer that this is great work. In my opinion fashion is a truly visual medium. Therefore  my writing here will hardly give you the magnitude of this exhibit.

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BALENCIAGA THE DESIGNER

Cristóbal was the consummate professional — a total perfectionist. Although he was susceptible to young men and, like Dior, had lovers, his heart was given to cloth and line. He created marvellous evening gowns, for which the French word “frou-frou” is barely adequate. But it was his dedication to tailoring that gave him a mastery untouched by any other couturier.Balenciaga noted few exceptions, one was Charles James, for whose technical skills and endless experiments Balenciaga had a great admiration.  Similarily  he admired Christian Dior. Another, one may add is Hubert de Givenchy, with whom he had a close creative relationship. Carmel Snow, editor of Harper's Bazaar and Diane Vreeland were the  extent of his critics, colleagues and friends he admired. All things considered he new his greatness and suffered no fools.

BALENCIAGA 1oo

Since this year the house of Balenciaga turns 100, what is it that keeps this brand as vital today as it was in the past. Balenciaga was called " Fashion's Picasso " by Cecil Beaton, Diana Vreeland  bodly hailed him as " the greatest dressmaker who ever lived". Similarily Carmel Snow said he was the "connoisseurs couturier " and chose to be buried in her favorite Balenciaga suit.While Balenciaga worked until 1968, he adhored the press and was the solitary force behind his business. In fact in today's fashion world the "master" may have found it very difficult to survive. However how does a brand create an image for today while still respecting it's illustrious history.

BALENCIAGA TODAY

First and foremost Balenciaga is brand that exudes luxury. The current creative director is Denma Gvasalia, the Georgian born designer who is know as the creator of Vetements. However on the first look one might see little in common between these two designers , but they are closer than we think.

In the first place both are disruptors of the fashion system. First Balenciaga defied the Chambre Syndicate de la haute Couture. Moreover he refused  to show his collection  and showed a month later than his peers. Therefore this forced eager New York buyers to travel back across the Atlantic and gave him exclusive media coverage. In the same way Gvasalia insisted on showing Vetements in the Couture calander getting his himself huge media coverage.

While setting himself up for success at Balenciaga,  Gvasalia payed homage to the master by getting inspired. Therefore you might see the voluminous silhouette created by a puffer coat.  In the same way he copied some dresses , creating the exacting fit of Cristobal. Still others were renewed  by using modern fabrics like spandex. While coats are recreated with modernity  and an accolade to the master. Gvasalia studied the brand and came up with a modern story worth telling. I love the way one of my favorite designers is living on through the work of one of my favorite designers.

BALENCIAGA THE CLOTHES TODAY

Darlings I'm excited to show you the looks that I have found from this fabulous brand . Shop the selections I have chosen. The clothes are the story , Balenciaga is a legendary brand and the beautiful garments are exceptionally made and classic designs. 

High Collar Dress from Balenciaga. Cinnamon is a rare and elegant color , match with black, brown, or cream. I love this strong and classic silhouette.
SHOP THIS LOOK $869.61

Balenciaga Floral Print Dress. This all over floral is a beautiful color palette.
SHOP THIS LOOK $ 1646

Balenciaga combines Parisian refinement with a streetwear edge. Hence creating directional silhouettes that are coveted by the sartorial crowd the world over. The hyper athletic influenced vibes of current day Balenciaga is at its peak with the Outerspace padded jacket. This is the perfect example of a re-interpretation of a classic coat.
SHOP THIS LOOK $2850

The French house of Balenciaga is known as a benchmark of uncompromising couture mastery. This blue Slide Japanese print dress from Balenciaga is the height of femininity.
SHOP THIS LOOK $2,050

Balenciaga continues to create directional footwear season after season that subvert classical structure resulting in innovative footwear lasts. These cobalt blue Knife cuissard crepe boots from Balenciaga will add a pop of colour to your winter ensemble.
SHOP THIS LOOK $1395

 These turquoise blue Knife booties from Balenciaga are a perfect addition to any wardrobe.
SHOP THIS LOOK $950

This Green Printed Dress with high neck is a splendid celebatory garment. Created with such vibrant colors giving any wardrobe a signature piece.
SHOP THIS LOOK $ $755

Founded by Cristóbal Balenciaga in 1917 the French house of Balenciaga is known as a benchmark of uncompromising couture mastery. Marking this new chapter, the Gospel dress is inspired by Victorian posies, delivering the label's signature sack silhouette in an ornate floral print.
SHOP THIS LOOK $2050

. Infused with ice skater vibes and an eighties style silhouette, this pink silk dress from Balenciaga will make you want to twirl with joy.
SHOP THIS LOOK $2400

BALENCIAGA IN CONCLUSION

Well my darlings , I love the work of Balenciaga. Since I am a fashion historian I take great delight in learning the details of designers lives. Therefore doing research for a post like this one is exciting. However sharing what I 've learned with all of  you is just as thrilling. Of course the work I put into this blog is partly supported by the items I list and sell .  I encourage you to shop my site . While I may not show the items you are looking for you can still use my link to shop with that retailer. At the same time please share my blog with your friends and fellow fashionistas , also  please leave  comments . Above all else I hope you enjoy my blog and find interesting and useful information. 

Ciao for now dears Jandrew