c1957 Black Cristobal Balenciaga Haute Couture Suit

This wonderful Haute Couture suit is from the 1957-58 winter collection and comes from the closet of the original owner who commissioned it directly from the atelier. Cristobal Balenciaga was known for his fine tailoring and sculptural approach to design and the restrained and refined lines of this suit showcase that aesthetic. Even Dior himself declared Balenciaga as "the Master of us all" and Balenciaga's impact on fashion cannot be underestimated.

The suit is made of a nubby black wool that gives it a beautiful and interesting texture. Cristobal was known for doing the fitting himself, from the initial muslin stage through to the final fittings which means that a couture suit such as this one, made during the years he was alive and headed the house, means that you have a garment fitted by the master himself. The skirt has an unusual overlapping feature at the hem created by a full inner silk skirt that is edged with the same straight wool and set to hang lower then the exterior layer. It is cut in a straight and simple line with the very slightest suggestion of an A-line cut. The jacket is cropped and extremely beautiful. It utilizes the very minimal of seaming in its design with curving shoulders and arms and a flared cut through the body - a subtle play on his iconic "cocoon" shaping he was known for. It buttons off to the side with huge black buttons whose plastic surface is also textured to reflect the fabric choice. Together the suit is refined and proper and of perfect proportions. To own a piece of couture Balenciaga is truly to own a piece of fashion history and his pieces were worn by starlets and society girls, including Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and many, many more. Excellent condition.

Entirely made by hand to Haute Couture standards. Both the jacket and skirt are fully lined in a hand-set black silk. Interior hand finished seams. The skirt closes with a painted metal zipper and hook & eye at the waist. The jacket closes with hidden hook and eye down the side that the buttons are placed on. There is the slightest of shattering to the silk beginning under each arm and this is left as found. The number underneath the label is 61H17. I have included detail shots of some of the interior hand work. There is a fabric tie belt that came with the suit that will be included when sent, but is not photoed.

Jacket
Sleeves: 16" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 18" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2640

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.