Hamish BowlesBalenciaga and Spain: Spanish Master

This is a book that compares Spanish social history with Balenciaga's couture, all printed beautifully. The essays are insightful and the dresses are fantastic. my only complaint is some of the comparisons are a little opportunistic. Other than that well worth a look.

fantastic book

This is a wonderful book about the great master couturier Christobal Balenciaga and his Spanish roots and influnces. The text is informative and you are almost transported to the world of Balenciaga, particularly at his Paris Couture House, where you imagine the whispers and polite exchanges in the salon, that is, if you were deemed rich and sophisticated enough, and were allowed to buy your couture there, as he was very fussy about who should be allowed to wear his beautiful creations, as one had to have a certain deportment to carry them off effectively. You can also imagine the tantrums if things did not go to plan, as he was a perfectionist and master crafts man. The people who wore his creations were often told what they should wear by him.The book also shows many outfits, from day wear through to elaborate evening gowns and hats, which is really wonderful. Many do look dated by todays standards, but you can see the beautiful attention to every tiny detail in the creation and construction of these works of art. You also see how he developed his creations, silhouttes and style over nearly four decades.I collect books on couture and this is one of the best, but as always I'm greedy and just want to see more and more of the masters work.

Fab book