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In March 1955 l’Officiel described the new, slightly shorter, Balenciaga evening gowns thus: “The new length of evening gowns is unexpected. A length that gracefully flatters the silhouette and brings out the ankles”. As if momentarily swept up, pink silk taffeta drapes in luxuriant transverse shirring over a strapless corsage bodice with narrow waist and crinoline-like petticoat stiffened with synthetic ribbons. A separate belt of double-pleated fabric forms a decorative pouf in the back. A triple trim of white machine lace is visible beneath the silk taffeta hemline. Cristóbal Balenciaga drew inspiration from historical models and here offers a modern interpretation of the late 19th century bustle. The gown comes from the possession of Elisabeth Firestone (1897-1990). In 1921, she married Harvey S. Firestone Jr. of the American dynasty of tyre manufacturers. She was voted bestdressed woman of the year several times and counted amongst the long-standing customers of the house of Balenciaga. An identical model of the ball gown is in the Kyoto Costume Institute, Inv. no.AC 5147 85-29-IA.

Details

  • Title: Pink Silk Taffeta Ball Gown with Separate Belt
  • Creator: Cristóbal Balenciaga
  • Creator Lifespan: 21.1.1895 - 23.3.1972
  • Creator Nationality: Spanish
  • Creator Gender: Male
  • Date: 1955
  • Stylistic point of origin: Paris, France
  • Rights: Photo © bpk - Photo Agency / Kunstgewerbemuseum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz / Stephan Klonk │ Text © Staatliche Museen zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz / Christine Waidenschlager
  • Provenance: 2003 Kamer/Ruf collection; 1991 Sotheby’s, New York, estate of Mrs. Firestone, Kunstgewerbemuseum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz
  • Proof of manufacture: Black on white woven label: BALENCIAGA 10, Avenue George V. Paris (handwritten beneath) 51783
  • Length: Dress: fl./bl. 103 cm, belt: l. 97 cm, w. 4 cm
  • ISIL no.: DE-MUS-018417
  • Type: Dress
  • External Link: http://www.smb.museum/museen-und-einrichtungen/kunstgewerbemuseum/home.html
  • Medium: Pink silk, plain weave "taffeta", pink silk organza and silk crepe voile, natural coloured cotton batiste, natural coloured cotton flannel Support: white plain weave synthetic basis chemical fibre, stiffened gauze and machine lace

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