Lesley Ellis MillerBalenciaga: Shaping Fashion

7Very, very good inside information how it worked in the haute couture business before 1970. Wonderful details in the making, the materials and some customers. I enjoyed it immensly.Regards, Dick

Lovely coffee table book which compliments the exhibition at the V&A.This book contains a lot of beautiful photographs and the text is also very interesting.A must for all fashion lovers

Yet to tear off the seal but I’m in love already....the cover is inspiration for a colour theme in my next design.

Product came on time. Very pleased with the product and the seller.

Bought after seeing the exhibition at the V&A. A must for any fashion lover.

I think your rating of this book will be based on what you expected or wanted it to be.If you wanted a history of Balenciaga the designer and don’t mind descriptions of clothes that aren’t photographed then this provides an insightful overview. The text is a bit dry (especially compared to Bowles’ Balenciaga and Spain).This book is based on a previous V&A publication by Miller (Cristobal Balenciaga the couturiers couturier) and it’s shame this is basically touted as an updated version of that drawing on new research and the existing Balenciaga collection owned by the V&A.I think it’s important to understand that’s why I don’t think this book is either a true exhibition catalogue of the V&A exhibition this was meant to accompany (and to be fair other than sharing the same name I don’t think if you read close it purports to be) or a coffee table book with glorious visuals and close-up photography.If you wanted a coffee table book full of pictures of Balenciaga clothes (either on mannequins or as photo shoots) you’ll be disappointed. The format of the book is much smaller than coffee table and the clothes are rarely given a full page.And, if you went to the exhibition and wanted to see photos of those clothes you’ll be disappointed also as lots don’t really feature and nice exhibition shots like the x-ray photos aren’t included.If you wanted full page shots of the clothes other books are out there (although maybe now out of print). If you want an excellent cultural commentary and highly engaging and readable insight into Balenciaga (the man and the fashion) get the book Balenciaga and Spain (my top pick for a coffee table book on Balenciaga).I think this book is best suited to someone who wants a more informative/historic approach to Balenciaga with some pictures rather than a coffee table book with some interesting insights. I have to admit I’m a bit disappointed and underwhelmed by this one.

Love it !!

Arrived with dent on front corner which wasdisappointing. Content great