BALENCIAGA THE DESIGNER
Cristóbal was the consummate professional — a total perfectionist. Although he was susceptible to young men and, like Dior, had lovers, his heart was given to cloth and line. He created marvellous evening gowns, for which the French word “frou-frou” is barely adequate. But it was his dedication to tailoring that gave him a mastery untouched by any other couturier.Balenciaga noted few exceptions, one was Charles James, for whose technical skills and endless experiments Balenciaga had a great admiration. Similarily he admired Christian Dior. Another, one may add is Hubert de Givenchy, with whom he had a close creative relationship. Carmel Snow, editor of Harper's Bazaar and Diane Vreeland were the extent of his critics, colleagues and friends he admired. All things considered he new his greatness and suffered no fools.
BALENCIAGA 1oo
Since this year the house of Balenciaga turns 100, what is it that keeps this brand as vital today as it was in the past. Balenciaga was called " Fashion's Picasso " by Cecil Beaton, Diana Vreeland bodly hailed him as " the greatest dressmaker who ever lived". Similarily Carmel Snow said he was the "connoisseurs couturier " and chose to be buried in her favorite Balenciaga suit.While Balenciaga worked until 1968, he adhored the press and was the solitary force behind his business. In fact in today's fashion world the "master" may have found it very difficult to survive. However how does a brand create an image for today while still respecting it's illustrious history.
BALENCIAGA TODAY
First and foremost Balenciaga is brand that exudes luxury. The current creative director is Denma Gvasalia, the Georgian born designer who is know as the creator of Vetements. However on the first look one might see little in common between these two designers , but they are closer than we think.
In the first place both are disruptors of the fashion system. First Balenciaga defied the Chambre Syndicate de la haute Couture. Moreover he refused to show his collection and showed a month later than his peers. Therefore this forced eager New York buyers to travel back across the Atlantic and gave him exclusive media coverage. In the same way Gvasalia insisted on showing Vetements in the Couture calander getting his himself huge media coverage.
While setting himself up for success at Balenciaga, Gvasalia payed homage to the master by getting inspired. Therefore you might see the voluminous silhouette created by a puffer coat. In the same way he copied some dresses , creating the exacting fit of Cristobal. Still others were renewed by using modern fabrics like spandex. While coats are recreated with modernity and an accolade to the master. Gvasalia studied the brand and came up with a modern story worth telling. I love the way one of my favorite designers is living on through the work of one of my favorite designers.
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