Cristóbal Balenciaga
Haute Couture 'Chasuble' Embellished Black Silk Velvet Evening Gown, Autumn-Winter 1967-68
Lot Closed
June 16, 04:01:30 PM GMT
Estimate
5,200 - 8,000 USD
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Description
Cristóbal Balenciaga Haute Couture 'Chasuble' Embellished Black Silk Velvet Evening Gown, Autumn-Winter 1967-68, inspired by the outermost garments worn by clergy, edged in cut brilliants, pearl beads and floret paillettes, labelled and numbered, bust: 34in, 86cm
An observant Catholic, Cristóbal Balenciaga was influenced by religious iconography throughout his career, becoming one of the central themes of his work. Couture client Claudia de Osbourne, who commissioned one such gown, recalled Balenciaga commenting he had been inspired by a priests robes 'but a very sexy priest!'. She described the dress as 'the side slashes showed all of one's leg when walking or dancing. it was the hit of the collection'- 'Balenciaga and His Legacy' by Myra Walker. This design is featured in several publications including 'Balenciaga and Spain' by Hamish Bowles, which shows the design featured in L'Officiel, October 1967. To view CLICK HERE The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds an identical example within it's collection, accession number 1973.61.