Balenciaga at the De Young museum

While recently visiting San Francisco, CA I was lucky enough to catch a Balenciaga exhibit at the De Young museum in Golden Gate park.  If you're interested in seeing vintage haute couture in person and want to transport yourself to a place where dress and design are more glamorous than you ever could imagine, this is the exhibit for you!

photo courtesy of the de young museum

"Balenciaga and Spain

March 26, 2011 - July 4, 2011

Balenciaga and Spain examines the profound and enduring influence of Spain on the work of haute couture master Cristóbal Balenciaga. The impact of Spanish culture, history, and traditions is explored through the recurring themes in Balenciaga’s oeuvre and organized in the exhibition in six sections: Spanish Art, Regional Dress, the Spanish Court, Religious Life and Ceremony, the Bullfight, and Dance. Hamish Bowles, the European editor at large for Vogue, is guest curator. Objects are drawn from museum and private collections in France, Spain, and the United States, including the FAMSF collection."

Did you realize Oscar de la Renta studied under Balenciaga?
Did you know that Balenciaga began his formal training as a tailor at the age of 13?
Can you imagine that it took him hours to construct the shape of a sleeve?

An abstract evening ensemble, 1967

Credit: Balenciaga Archives

It was fantastic to see such a large representation of his work.  Some of it was wearable, some of it was textile art, and all of it was amazing to gaze upon.