Cristobal Balenciaga is one of fashions few true heros. Trained as an architect, he is a master of form and construction. his ideas never change, but evolve. elegance, creativity and a unique air are what defines his couture from the others at the time. I belive Christian Dior refered to himas the ‘master of us all’.
why? because it took a special kind of creator at the time to not see the body as the only canvas. Balenciaga was tailored away from the body while taking full advantage of it. a perfect example of this is his autumn winter 1967 collection, with the cape made of stunningly and masterfully tailored creases and folds. this was beautifully shot by Irving Penn and is a staple when talking about couture and construction.
With Balenciaga now, some of Cristobal is still intact, despite having basterdized the brands name with platform crocs. The shoulders, the un-bodycon, the severity, the knowing ‘cool’. These are all still within the brands, though arguably done better and more tastefully by Nicholas Ghesquire. However, althoug Balenciaga means something totally different now, the legacy of Cristobal still endures, as he is truely the designers designer, much like Prada or Rick Owens
