Photo Credit: Photography by Kenny Komer
Just a whisper of the name Balenciaga makes fashionistas weak in the knees. Surely, being surrounded by his creations at the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute must have lovers of couture close to fainting! Conceived by designer Oscar de la Renta and curated by Hamish Bowles (Vogue's European Editor-at-Large), Balenciaga: Spanish Master showcases more than 70 items of Cristobal Balenciaga's eternally elegant and stunning clothing and accessories.
Photo Credit: Photography by Kenny Komer
Born in Spain, Cristobal Balenciaga (1895-1972) was a highly acclaimed designer in his native country. However, the Spanish Civil War forced him to close his stores and he moved to Paris and opened his fashion house there in 1937. Balenciaga may have left Spain but his culture very much influenced Balenciaga's designs. The great late fashion editor Diana Vreeland said that his "inspiration came from the bullrings, the flamenco dancers, the loose blouses the fishermen wear, the cool of the cloisters." Not just a master of haute couture, in 1968 Balenciaga designed the flight attendant uniforms for Air France.
Balenciaga: Spanish Master will be open for viewing at the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute in New York City (684 Park Avenue) until February 26, 2011. Timed tickets are required for admission ($15) and reservations can be made by calling 212-628-0420 or visiting the website.
PS. The exhibition will be expanded for presentation as Balenciaga and Spain at the de Young Museum in San Francisco from March 26-July 4, 2011
