Cristóbal Balenciaga Museoa

Long dress with a short train at the back. Higher neckline at the front and low cut at the back. Sleeveless, cut at waistline. The bodice is fitted with darts and fastens at the centre of the back with hooks and press-studs. The évasée skirt is gathered at the waist. At the back, the waist is dropped to the hipline in the shape of a “U”. Lined with silk organza in the same colour.

The mantelet has a square collar and yoke with wide gathered frill, which slopes downward toward the back.

The fitted blue silk petticoat fastens at the left with a zip.

In 1958, Balenciaga worked with the Swiss manufacturer Abraham to create gazar. The ornamental and sculptural properties of gazar were fundamental to achieve the grandiose theatrical shapes of the evening dresses. This dress, made in Paris, is completed with a mantelet, a garment the master used often for its attractive wraparound nature, and its ability to change the appearance of a dress.

Bibliography: Catalogue of the exhibition Fashion-Passion. Cem anos de moda. São Paulo: September 2004-February 2005.

CBM 2000.23 ab