THE KING...BALENCIAGA

Hello guys!! Today I went to the Balenciaga Exhibit at the Queen Sophia Spanish Institute, I only have one word A-MA-ZING!! 

Let's start by saying today was not the best day, the weather was horrible, first I thought it was really cute since it was snowing, but it didn't stop! It snowed all morning! I walked from school (7th Ave and 40th St) to Lexington and 53rd st to get on the subway that would take us uptown to 68th st- Hunter College Station and then walked to Park and 698th...doesn't sound that much I know, but believe me, in that weather it was A LOT. Anyway just wanted to tell you all this to emphasize how amazing the exhibit is, that when I finally entered, I forgot about the horrible walk we just had and just marvelled at the pieces! 

The exhibit consists of about 50 pieces that reflect part of Cristobal Balenciaga's work, from when he moved from Spain to Paris, until he retired in 1968 and returned to his home country.

The exhibition is divided in two floors. On the first floor you can see dresses capes and coats inspired on religious figures (monks, nuns and cardinals) as well as different royal characters such as Philip of Spain.

On the basement is the second part of the exhibition which presents garments inspired by Flamenco and "Toreros". 

Apart from the impeccable details, embroidery and clean lines what amazes me is how I could see most of these dresses at a runway show today! The garments are from the late 30's up to the 60s, but they don't look old fashioned at all! After seeing them you can feel how much he has inspired many designers of our time.  While looking at each dress, different designers came to mind, like Alexander Mcqueen, Lanvin, John Galliano and even Oscar de la Renta (which btw was Balenciaga's protege and is the Chairman of the Spanish Institute), which demonstrate how influential "The King" still is.

This exhibition is a recollection of dresses from around the world. From Balenciaga's private collection in Paris, to the University of Texas. All dresses were curated by Hamish Bowles, European Vogue's Editor in Chief at Large (who incidentally owns many of the dresses exhibited). 

As you may imagine, pictures are not allowed on the exhibition, however, I did take some on the room where a video was being displayed of a Balenciaga Runway, as well as some of the pictures of the booklet given to every visitor. 

Maria checking out the photo she just took.

Me watching the Runway Show

Cristobal Balenciaga

This exhibition will be in NYC until February 19th of 2011, if you have the chance, please come, it is really worth it. However, if you can't, this exhibit will move to the Young Museum of San Francisco and will open on March 26th.