Balenciaga exhibition
Courtesy of Balenciaga

In celebration of the 2023 European Heritage Days, occurring on September 16th and 17th, renowned fashion house Balenciaga is set to unveil an exclusive exhibition showcasing the archives of the Maison’s founder, Cristóbal Balenciaga.

“The Woman Behind The Dress” exhibition will explore the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail of the late couturier, emphasising how couture techniques can be a means of personal expression, allowing the wearer’s personality to shine through.

The exhibition is set to feature 30 Haute Couture garments and 20 crafted mannequins, vividly illustrating Balenciaga‘s expertise in sculpting garments to complement and accentuate the unique characteristics of each individual.

The exhibition, which will be showcased at the Kering and Balenciaga headquarters in Paris, at 40 rue de Sèvres, will feature a number of bespoke designs previously crafted for well-known individuals including Ingrid Bergman, Agnes de Mille, Mona von Bismarck and Bunny Mellon, to name a few.

Balenciaga exhibition
Ingrid Bergman in Balenciaga. Courtesy of Balenciaga

Another highlight of the showcase is a one-of-a-kind piece Cristóbal Balenciaga designed for Grace Kelly, the late Princess of Monaco – a velvet dress adorned with pearls at the neckline.

The late designer was known throughout his career for challenging the conventional norms of the era and evolving female silhouettes by introducing degrees of abstraction that defied societal expectations. His innovative approach has become synonymous with the Maison as we know it today.

The Woman Behind The Dress exhibition offers a glimpse into the vision of the late Cristóbal Balenciaga – an individual who transformed fashion into an art of individuality and self-expression.