exhibition

From June 15 to October 14, 2018

Balenciaga

Master of Couture

Revered by his contemporaries and future fashion designers alike, Cristóbal Balenciaga represents the pinnacle of haute couture in the 1950s and 1960s. His exquisite craftsmanship, pioneering use of fabrics and innovative cutting set the tone for the modernity of late 20th century fashion.

Discover the creations, the exceptional skill and the legacy of Balenciaga through a major fashion exhibition organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum and a North American exclusive premiere.

  • Evening dress and jumpsuit, silk, ostrich feathers, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Paris, 1966.
Gift of Mme Jeanine C. Beaubien, M2012.132.1, MR2018.2.1 © McCord Museum
  • 'Baby doll' cocktail dress, crêpe de chine, lace and satin, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Paris, 1958 © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
  • Spiral hat, silk, Balenciaga for Eisa, Spain, 1962 © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
  • Elise Daniels with street performers, suit by Balenciaga, Le Marais, Paris, 1948. Photograph by Richard Avedon © The Richard Avedon Foundation
  • Evening dress, silk taffeta, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Paris, 1962. Gift of Mrs. Anne V. Byers, M975.20.15 © McCord Museum
  • Evening dress, silk satin, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Paris, 1960. Gift of Mrs. Alvin J. Walker, M974.111.3.1-2 © McCord Museum
  • Evening coat, quilted lamé Cristóbal Balenciaga, Paris, 1963. Gift of Mrs. Anne V. Byers, M997.31.2 © McCord Museum
  • Oscar de la Renta, Spring Summer 2015 ready-to-wear, look 37 © Catwalking
  • Skirt suit, wool and silk, Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga, Paris, Autumn Winter 2016 ready-to-wear, look 1 © Catwalking

Discover the exhibition through the eyes of our visitors! Comments given during the Opening of the exhibition, on June 13, 2018.

What people are saying about it

« [...] The current Balenciaga show at the McCord Museum is no ordinary exhibition. » Montreal Gazette
« The [exhibition] may shed just a bit of light onto the trajectory from Balenciaga then to Balenciaga now. » Eva Friede
« The show [...] will appeal not only to those who like fashion but to a broader audience: anyone curious about the creative spirit and how things are made. » Montreal Gazette
EXHIBITION ORGANIZED BY THE VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM, LONDON
EXHIBITION PRESENTED BY
Logo-Holt-Renfrew-Ogilvy
EXHIBITION PARTNERS
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