75.170.1

Images (3)

Global_07 Left to right 69.160.9 (cape), P76.1.2 (coat), 76.53.1 (suit), 88.133.33 (scarf wall), 85.172.3 (dress), 75.170.1 (green dress)

Global_06 Left to right 69.160.9 (cape), P76.1.2 (coat), 76.53.1 (suit), 88.133.33 (scarf wall), 85.172.3 (dress hidden), 75.170.1 (green dress), 95.85.9 (tuxedo dress), 2013.25.2 (dress), 2015.36.1 (orange dress), 2015.20.1 (white ensemble), 2007.65.2 (bag case), 2009.5.1 (shoes case)

Object: Dress

Brand: Balenciaga (French, founded 1937)

Designer: Cristóbal Balenciaga (1895 - 1972)

Date: 1959

Medium: Chartreuse and black chiné printed silk ottoman

Country: France

Credit Line: Gift of Kay Kerr Uebel

Object number: 75.170.1

DescriptionShort evening dress in chartreuse green ribbed silk with black chiné rose pattern, with bateau neckline, bubble skirt on hip yoke, and attached black satin ribbon tie; separate coordinating black satin ribbon sash

Label Text:The silhouette of this cocktail dress is a Balenciaga favorite. By eradicating the typical use of horizontal bust darts in favor of vertical princess seams on the bodice and shaping a full skirt with no supporting understructure, Balenciaga was able to achieve an idealized hourglass shape while simultaneously giving his clients both a leaner silhouette and greater comfort. Ironically, the shape also made it easier for licensees, particularly American ready-to-wear manufacturers, to produce high quality copies. This style was also appropriated by designers such as Hubert de Givenchy and Norman Norell. The simplicity of the silhouette is enlivened by Balenciaga's use of an intense, acid-colored fabric.

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