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Cristóbal Balenciaga
Known as 'the master' of haute couture, Cristóbal Balenciaga (1895 – 1972) was one of the most innovative and influential fashion designers of the 20th century. His exquisite craftsmanship and pioneering use of fabrics revolutionised the female silhouette, setting the tone for modern fashion.
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The V&A has the largest collection of Balenciaga in the UK, initiated in the 1970s by the photographer Cecil Beaton, Balenciaga's longstanding friend. Our collection includes examples of revolutionary shapes from the designer's golden age, the 1950s and 60s, such as the tunic, sack, baby doll and shift dresses – all of which remain style staples today.
Collection highlights
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Hat, designed by Cristóbal Balenciaga, made for Eisa, 1962, Spain -
(Detail) Evening dress, designed by Cristóbal Balenciaga, 1960 – 62, Paris, France -
X-ray photograph of silk taffeta evening dress by Cristóbal Balenciaga, 1955, Paris, France. Photograph by Nick Veasey. © Nick Veasey -
Evening outfit, designed by Cristóbal Balenciaga, made by Lesage, 1967, Paris, France -
Evening ensemble, designed by Cristóbal Balenciaga, 1967, Paris, France -
Baby doll evening dress, designed by Cristóbal Balenciaga, 1958, Paris, France -
Hat, designed by Cristóbal Balenciaga, about 1950, Paris, France -
Skirt suit, designed by Cristóbal Balenciaga, 1954, Paris, France -
Evening dress, designed by Cristóbal Balenciaga, 1954, Paris, France
Features
Introducing Cristóbal Balenciaga
Introducing Cristóbal Balenciaga
Revered by the likes of Coco Chanel and Christian Dior, meet 'The Master' of haute couture
Secrets of Balenciaga's construction
Secrets of Balenciaga's construction
Animated dress patterns show how three of Balenciaga's iconic designs were constructed, revealing his mastery of pattern cutting, draping and manipulation of fabrics.
X-raying Balenciaga
X-raying Balenciaga
Discover the hidden interior structures of iconic garments by Cristóbal Balenciaga, revealed through beautiful X-rays
Balenciaga's sequinned evening coat
Balenciaga's sequinned evening coat
Recreating the beautiful hot-pink beading and sequin work of Balenciaga's 1967 evening coat.
Balenciaga's hats
Balenciaga's hats
Cristóbal Balenciaga's couture hats were some of the most elaborate in Paris, playing with scale, shape and unusual materials
Contemporary fashion designers on Balenciaga
Contemporary fashion designers on Balenciaga
Molly Goddard, Gareth Pugh and Josep Font for Delpozo reveal how 'The Master' of couture has inspired their 21st-century design practice
Learning from 'The Master'
Learning from 'The Master'
Investigating iconic garments by Cristóbal Balenciaga, 'The Master' of haute couture
Shaping fashion: Balenciaga's legacy
Shaping fashion: Balenciaga's legacy
See how Balenciaga's iconic designs have inspired the work of 20th and 21st century fashion designers
Fashion in Motion: inspired by Balenciaga
Fashion in Motion: inspired by Balenciaga
Find out about our Fashion in Motion live fashion event, featuring new creations inspired by the master of couture, Cristóbal Balenciaga
About the Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion exhibition
About the Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion exhibition
Find out more about the first UK exhibition on the work and influence of master couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga
Header image: Spiral silk hat, Balenciaga for Eisa, 1962, Spain. Museum no. T.146-1998. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London