1895-1972 Cristobal Balenciaga

[La bordélique]

Mémoires de la mode: Balenciaga
Éditons Assouline
Marie-Andrée Jouve







Source: my scans

 

[La bordélique]

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Source: my scans

 

[La bordélique]

(continued)






Source: my scans

 

[FashionJunkie]

I can't give you KARMA again, i have to spread some reputation first! I don't know how to thank you!!!

 

[La bordélique]

Oh that's fine FashionJunkie, I just wanted to show some of my favorite works by him. These pictures are way too amazing to be kept to myself!

 

[DosViolines]

Thanks for the scans La bordélique

You are amazing

Just found this:

thefrock.com

 

[La bordélique]

Lovely pattern choices.

The book Hommage à Balenciaga is mainly about the fabrics and embellishments he used for his dresses, but I didn't scan some pages since they're the book's essentials. I suggest anyone who's interested to read it or just look at the images (there are many photos of fabric samples) because the text is in French. Now, I just need to get my hands on that Balenciaga Paris book...

 

[DosViolines]

heavenofgowns.com

Balenciaga Haute Couture Applied Lace Bodice mid-1950's

Exsquisite and rare! A fine piece of early Balenciaga haute couture, dating to the mid 1950's. The evening bodice is fashioned from a ground of deep cherry-red lace with rich, textured appliqués of velvet floral motifs. The realism of the flowers is truely great, and they bare a deep artistic appeal! I love the way the edge of the waist isn't hemmed up, but instead the velvet motifs are full in shape and the petals mold to the figure!

This bodice's shape was one of Balenciaga's most infamous designs during his reign as master of mid-20th century fine fashion, and is reflected in another piece of ours from the same period- item #30130n. It is not lined and appears to never have been, which makes sense due to the fact it is a lace piece. The bodice is attributed- unlabeled, but will come with sufficient provenance from a major European textiles auction to validate it's authenticity. We have not shown the interior as this is due to the fact that it is unlined, it's merely the back of the lace.

Measurements: Bust 38, Waist 28", Length 18".

The condition is Pristine!

 

[DosViolines]

heavenofgowns.com

Balenciaga Haute Couture Coral Dress 1960-62

Finely constructed, Balenciaga haute couture of 1960-62. The elegant and sophisticated summer dress is fashioned from coral linen, and minimally accented by two large linen covered buttons at the shoulders. The dress features a fine tulip-shaped skirt, with heavily gathered material to the waistline; which is a dramatic contrast to the smoothly shaped bodice.

The dress fastens at the side with a zipper and the buttons to the shoulders are functional. Also having a a side pockets lined in silk. Labeled Balenciaga / 10, Avenue George V. Paris , and numbered with a couture tape label beneath which reads 73241. Wear this dress with your finest strand of pearls and be French Riviera chic- in fine couture!

Measurements: Bust 34", Waist 26", Hips 36", Length of 39".

The condition is Very Good- one small seam seperation, and a very tiny and faint water-like mark.

 

[DosViolines]

heavenofgowns.com

Balenciaga Haute Couture Linen Blouse 1952-56

Early Cristobal Balenciaga haute couture blouse of 1952-56. The piece is fashioned from caramel linen, and cut in the most renown manner! The piece in our opinion, is a fine representation of Balenciaga's master fashion skills- through the amazing construction, shape, etc, even the warm shade is pleasing!

The blouse opens at the shoulders with the large linen covered buttons. One should definitely stop and notice the precision of the cut and seams around the the arm holes! It is fully lined in caramel tissue silk.

Labeled at the back of the neck Balenciaga / 10, Avenue George V. Paris and numbered to the couture tape label beneath. Rarely do Balenciaga seperates become available, as they are more versatile than an elaborate evening piece, so this is one fine example not to be overlooked!

Measurements: Bust 38", Waist 33", Length 19".

The condition is Very Good- some wear along the bottom of the silk lining, otherwise pristine.

 

[DosViolines]

heavenofgowns.com

Balenciaga Haute Couture Silk & Beaded Dress 1963-64

Pear-green silk haute couture evening gown by Cristobal Balenciaga of 1963-64. The dress is cut in an elegant, a-line flared shape, with long sleeves- quite a rarity for an evening piece. The dress features exceptionally decorated sleeves- with an array of beads, spangles, and baubles, also having gold zari threadwork, all sewn onto net. The decorations are a work of art to their own- with some densely sewn pieces, and all to form a "themed" effect.

The dress has been made to highlight the beauty of the sleeves, and not cause an over detracting effect- by having minimal areas of decorations, and smartly choosing to use the sleeves; in this dress- the wearer's body and finely cut shape, is where the attention should be attracted. It is fully lined in green silk gazar with small inner shoulder padding, and fastens with a zipper and snaps to the back.

Measurements: Bust 36", Waist 30", Hips 38", Length 55".

The condition is Very Good- some very faint water-like marks, and a tiny group of very small speckle stains.

 

[DosViolines]

heavenofgowns.com

Balenciaga Haute Couture Silk Jacket 1955-58

One of the most infamous cuts- designed by Cristobal Balenciaga during 1955-58. This style of jacket is part of the fashion innovation that Balenciaga was responsible for during the era, and is considered to be his most important contribution to the world of fashion- a new silhouette for women. The loosely-cut jacket is fashioned from soft shades of cornflower blue silk paired with white threads woven in a life-like rose pattern. These shades are pleasingly neutral and have a toille influence- and one can never go wrong with a "reserved" color pallette in their ensemble, such as in this jacket.

The material is reminiscent of brocatelle- (which was a favourite of Balenciaga, as his haute couture fashions during this decade were on many occassions fashioned from the luxurious and highly expensive brocatelles) as the roses pattern is slightly raised giving further dimension to the beautiful realism. It fastens with three large fabric covered buttons to the front, and is fully lined in glacier silk. Labeled Balenciaga / 10, Avenue George V Paris , and numbered 73240 to the tape label behind.

Measurements: (meant to be worn slightly loose, but allowing for some looseness up to)- Bust 38", Waist 33" and a Length of 16".

The condition is Pristine!

 

[DosViolines]

heavenofgowns.com

Balenciaga couture belted wool cocktail dress, late 1950's. Boldly sculptural in its construction, and complete with the minimal accents of large black buttons, and a unique leather belt. *Please enquire for additional information!

 

[DosViolines]

heavenofgowns.com

Balenciaga couture dramatic, raspberry silk-taffeta brocade, cocktail ensemble with matching capelet, c.1961. From the reknown master of mid-twentieth century fashion and couture. Balenciaga's most infamous dress design from his entire fashion career! *Please enquire for additional information!

 

[DosViolines]

Cristobal Balenciaga, silk evening dress, Autumn/Winter 1957, France, museum purchase.

fitnyc.edu

 

[BaroqueRockstar]

wow!

 

[Whitelinen]

How haven't I noticed these additions to my all time favourite designer's thread? Thank you La Bordélique and DosViolines, once again .

Here's a Balenciaga ballgown circa 1955 from arsproto-to-magazin.de.

 

[marylauda]

Everything he created was so beautiful
It's amazing how everything he made would still be completely wearable in this time...

 

[Whitelinen]

I think I would want to have a wardrobe full of vintage Balenciaga, and I would be happy for the rest of my life.

 

[marylauda]

^ If only....

When I went to The Met, the Costume Insitute wasn't open to be viewed by the public...you can imagine my disappointment.