Navy wool and silk suit
Designed by Balenciaga, Paris, about 1964
T.127+A-1982

Hat of velvet trimmed straw
By Elfriede Ltd., London, early 1960s

This understated ensemble reveals Balenciaga's talents as a cutter. The jacket has magyar sleeves, cut in one piece with the front section. Like many of his garments, it has a loose fit. The open collar and the waist are designed to flatter an elegant, mature woman.
The slightly flared skirt consists of four panels gently gathered into the waistband and it fastens at the side with a zip. Balenciaga's clothes were equipped with minimum fastenings to make them as easy to put on as possible.

Worn by Opal Holt and given by Mrs. D.M. Haynes and Mrs. M. Clark