Balenciaga (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

“Balenciaga is fashion’s Picasso.”—Cecil Beaton

More than three decades after his death, the Spanish couturier Cristobal Balenciaga (1895–1972) has become a legendary figure in the history of 20th-century fashion. His name is now synonymous with clothes made to the highest standards and characterized by their sculptural quality, deft manipulation of textiles, and dramatic use of color. This absorbing new book, with breathtaking illustrations, examines Balenciaga’s design and business and places him firmly in the context of the time and country in which he learned his trade—and the international fashion scene in which he subsequently matured and triumphed.

This stunning book is published to accompany The Golden Age of Couture, a major exhibition opening at the V&A in September 2007.

About the Author

Lesley Ellis Miller is Senior Curator of Textiles in the Furniture, Textiles and Fashion Department at the V&A.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Victoria and Albert Museum (September 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1851775226
• ISBN-13: 978-1851775224
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #97,570 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #36 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Fashion > Designers
  #65 in	Books > History > Europe > Spain
  #69 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Fashion > Fashion Photography

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and Knowlegde-Filled book, December 29, 2007

By	Miss M (USA) - See all my reviews

I originally bought this book simply for the beautiful cover image and the promise of beautiful images within the pages of this small book. While those hopes were fully satisfied, I was pleasantly surprised to find the book interesting and read it straight through in three days. The author does a fantastic job of not only discussing in-depth Balenciaga's clothing and couture line, but also discussing his shop, his finances, his history, his influences, and his customers. This story ends by giving a brief summary of where the house is now, under Ghesquiere. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more of this amazing designer.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good basic, December 2, 2008

By	Lucille Magilicutty "fashion fanatic" (St. Louis, MO) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

One book that is a must for avid fashion book collectors. Great text and photos as well as history. I continue to enjoy it long after my purchase.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars All About Couture, October 14, 2009

By	Oscar Huidor "oah30" (NEw YOrk CIty) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a nice book. Not great, but nice. I bought this book thinking it would make a great coffee table book. This book is actually more of a primer. It is softcover and a bit small to be a coffee table book. Also not as many lush color photographs as I would have liked. What I did like was that this book was very well researched and informative without being dry and pedantic. The book goes into great detail explaing how a true "Maison de Couture" worked in the 1950s. It even shows an actual bill for couture dresses bought!
A good read for the book shelf but not the coffee table!