Balenciaga’s new exhibition, organised in partnership with European Heritage Days, features the garments from the brand’s archive. The exhibition is taking place exclusively at Kering’s Paris headquarters this weekend, September 16–17.
Entitled The Woman Behind the Dress, the display features not only Haute Couture designs but also 20 crafted mannequins that vividly illustrate Cristóbal Balenciaga’s expertise in sculpting garments to complement and accentuate the unique characteristics of each model. Among the dresses on display are those made for the American dancer and choreographer Agnes de Mille, the American socialite and fashion icon Mona von Bismarck, and even the late Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, who wore the desinger’s piece to the Bal des Scorpions on her 40th birthday.
The garments from 1946 to 1968 on display at Kering’s Paris headquarters are exquisite examples of the designer’s craftsmanship, with their intricate draping, delicate embroidery, and luxurious fabrics. The exhibition is designed to showcase Balenciaga’s mastery of couture construction as well as his attention to detail and precise tailoring, regardless of size.
As the current artistic director of Balenciaga, Demna Gvasalia, has said, “What he created on the body with clothes was a bit like plastic surgery.”
All photography courtesy of BALENCIAGA
