Cristobal Balenciaga: Fashion Designer

Balenciaga was a very influential designer with a career that exceeded his designs in terms of his influence on other later designers. He was Spanish born and had a reputation for exacting standards. Christian Dior described him as "the master of us all". He was famous for the striking shapes of his garments, particularly for the "puff ball" which featured in many of his designs. Many of his designs were in black or very dark coloured cloth which was effective in showing the line and shape of the garments he designed.

This puff ball skirt is accentuated by the very fitted bodice and long gloves. The hem is asymmetric and cleverly cut to create volume below the hip without creating volume that camouflaged the waist and hip shape of the wearer. The skirt shape is reminiscent of a tulip without being at all "twee". The pose of the model helps illustrate the outfit and the striking linear hat offers a balance to the width of the skirt and an elegant line.

The dress above is another striking example of a fantastical and sculptured shape, almost like a vase. A very feminine shape despite it being so angular and geometric. The "fins" at the shoulders create four distinct corners, and the jewelled embellishment at the front offers a glamorous detailed contrast to the stark shape and colour. Not the most practical dress but stunning to wear and as a piece of sculptured art.

This image shows a 1960's design on the left that is much more wearable.  The skirt and jacket have strong lines and neat collar and pocket finishing. The check fabric is a strong simple line that complements the cut. The image on the right is a more contemporary version demonstrating the longevity of well cut and conceived design. The more modern suit is altered by shortening the skirt and I'm struck how changing the colour of the gloves from white to black transports the outfit from the 1960's to the present day with one small detail.