Cocktail Dress with Buttoned Shoulder Collar

Cristóbal Balenciaga, the “architect of fashion”, was famous for his clean cuts that shunned the superfluous. This purist cocktail dress with slightly raised waist demonstrates Balenciaga’s reputation par excellence. It is worn with a semi-circular cape that lends a more serious character to the ensemble and is reminiscent of a high-necked nun habit. The cape is buttoned onto the narrow shoulder straps of the dress in the back, providing a view of the deep back neckline. The simplicity of the ensemble is emphasized by the flawless drape of the heavy crepe marocain, Balenciaga was particularly fond of the fabric’s solid tooth.