Artist: Cristóbal Balenciaga Eizaguirre
Museum: Kunstgewerbemuseum (Berlin, Germany)
Technique: Cotton
In March 1955 l’Officiel described the new, slightly shorter, Balenciaga evening gowns thus: “The new length of evening gowns is unexpected. A length that gracefully flatters the silhouette and brings out the ankles”. As if momentarily swept up, pink silk taffeta drapes in luxuriant transverse shirring over a strapless corsage bodice with narrow waist and crinoline-like petticoat stiffened with synthetic ribbons. A separate belt of double-pleated fabric forms a decorative pouf in the back. A triple trim of white machine lace is visible beneath the silk taffeta hemline. Cristóbal Balenciaga drew inspiration from historical models and here offers a modern interpretation of the late 19th century bustle. The gown comes from the possession of Elisabeth Firestone (1897-1990). In 1921, she married Harvey S. Firestone Jr. of the American dynasty of tyre manufacturers. She was voted bestdressed woman of the year several times and counted amongst the long-standing customers of the house of Balenciaga. An identical model of the ball gown is in the Kyoto Costume Institute, Inv. no.AC 5147 85-29-IA.
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