Publicity-shy to the point of reclusive, monastically devoted to his craft and boundlessly inventive in a realm that often rewards brash showmanship and market-tuned imitation, the Spaniard Cristóbal Balenciaga (1895-1972) was an improbable figure to dominate the fiercely competitive world of 20th-century Parisian haute couture. But dominate he did for more than three decades, from 1937 to 1968, with designs of unequaled elegance, searching innovation, technical mastery and lyrical grace. Read More

MADRID — Standing by a softly lit display of Balenciaga dresses at the Museo del Traje (Museum of Fashion and Costumes), curator Concha Herranz admired the contours of a sleek black evening gown. It appeared to be made from a single piece of supple, molded fabric. “[Cristóbal] Balenciaga cut in a way that used as few seams as possible,” Herranz explained through an interpreter. “See how he draws the dress out of the material? He was an architect of fashion.” Read More