Evening gown and cape of black gazar
Designed by Balenciaga, Paris, 1960s
T.292-1990

This evening ensemble shows Balenciaga's talent for cutting clothes in dramatic, sculpted shapes. These minimalist garments resemble the religious vestments of the Spanish Catholic Church. The only decoration is the artificial flowers at the hem of the dress and the collar of the cape. Gazar is a thick silk fabric with a stiff finish, specially created for Balenciaga by the textile firm Abraham of Switzerland.
From 1956, Balenciaga refused to show his clothes publicly at the same time as the other Parisian couturiers. This was because his designs were inevitably copied before he had finished making them up for his private clients. This dress and cape contain the 'Eisa' label, the Spanish branch of the House of Balenciaga, named after the designer's mother.

Given by Ava Gardner