Balenciaga: The Art of Haute Couture

Cristóbal Balenciaga, an architect of haute couture, was known for his ability to create new silhouettes. He was an avid art collector, and his design vocabulary translated artistic elements into ground-breaking designs. This lecture will explore the intersection of fashion and art through the lens of the Balenciaga fashion house, focusing on an exhibition dedicated to his love of Spanish art. Balenciaga’s spectacular success did not prepare the world for his surprise retirement. Together we will embark on a journey into the history of fashion—from the highly competitive world of French couture to the current incarnation of the brand, led by the influential and controversial designer Demna Gvasalia.