Three-piece suit: bodice, skirt and cape

Three-piece suit: bodice, skirt and cape. Straight, hip- length bodice with turndown collar. Open at the front with a flap that fastens with buttons. Wallet pockets and long sleeves. The skirt is straight, gathered at the waist and has a narrow waistband. Fastens on the left side with a zip. The knee-length cape is made of six panels, has a turndown collar and is open at the front. It is loose and straight, and has openings for the hands.

This outfit was made in Paris for the 1962 winter season. Balenciaga created a three-piece suit with the traditional cheviot fabric, widely used to create men’s suits. Far from being a reinterpretation of a man’s suit, the three pieces that make up this ensemble are based on traditional garments such as the pullover and the cape, the latter very much in fashion during the 1960s.