Balenciaga & Spain

This has been a Balenciaga + Spain week.

I visited the Balenciaga exhibit at the Queen Sophia Spanish Institute at 684 Park Avenue on Tuesday (on through Feb 19 so don't miss it)

Three floors of exquisite examples of the maitre/master of couture.

Plus designer sketches and catwalk videos. Drawings by Rene Gruau.

Everywhere evidence of Balenciaga's Spanish background, as an altar boy at the Church of San Sabastien.

Plus influence of the great Spanish painters like Zuniga.

Picasso, Goya and of course Velasquez.
*Note the infanta's multi satin bows!

Bows are everywhere on Balenciaga's creations.

Bows both fore and aft.

The bow acts as a feminine touch to soften a simple, austere gown like this one covered in red carnations, the national flower of Spain.

Deep red gypsy roses show up on Balenciaga's amusing hats...

"Wit was on the head, where it should be."

Rose Champagne, original watercolor 9" x 11"

Inspired me to get out my paintbox.

The bull ring was a favorite inspiration though Balenciaga did not like to attend the slaughter. 'the suit of lights', the tiny hats, the rituals fascinated him, and French women were delighted to follow where ever he led them.

"A ruffle must be intelligent," he told his protege, Givenchy.

 Audrey benefited from Balenciaga's tutelage to her chosen designer.

The flavor of Joquin Sorolla's flamenco dancers is evident in richly embroidered mantilla dresses.

Last night at FIT, Vogue European editor, Hamish Bowles gave a lecture on the exhibit he helped curate and his new book on Balenciaga & Spain, coming out March '11

Seen side by side, the Spanish source of inspiration + the unique creations endlessly amazed.

Do go to the exhibit and immerse yourself in an elegant world long gone.

"Working sometimes on the cut of a sleeve, he would neglect all else and go without food or sleep for days and nights." said Gloria Guinness, couture client.

BRAVO BALENCIAGA!