Coat
Brand
Balenciaga
(French, founded 1937)
Designer
Cristóbal Balenciaga
(1895 - 1972)
Fall 1950
Velvet
Gift of Jerome Zipkin
Object number86.142.3
Balenciaga was a true sculptor in fabric, a master of cut and construction whose work approached pure form. Simple lines (the product of much subtlety and originality in cut) were executed in luxurious materials - in this case, broken stripes of gray, brown, tan, and black silk velvet. A reserved and intensely private man, Balenciaga has always been fervently admired by other designers and fashion insiders. One of his first admirers, Harper's Bazaar editor Carmel Snow, put it this way: "Nothing can be more mysterious than simplicity. It is impossible to describe or imitate. Simplicity is completeness - no more, no less."
DescriptionEvening coat with broken stripes of grey, brown, tan and black spot velvet; tent style clutch coat, gathered below stand away roll collar, with long cuffed raglan bishop sleeve and curved hem; coutureExhibitions