Ensemble
The short-sleeved dress (a), made of black light-weight mohair, has a rounded neckline and lowered waistline with a thin self-fabric bow at the hip. The loose-fitting jacket (b) with stand-away collar is made of off-white satin-finish silk with small black embroidered polka dots. The three-quarter-length sleeves are cut in one with the body of the jacket. Two large off-white crocheted buttons at center front serve as closures for the jacket.
According to Coco Chanel, of all the twentieth-century designers Balenciaga was the only one who could create a garment from beginning to end.
Artwork Details
- Title: Ensemble
- Design House: House of Balenciaga (French, founded 1937)
- Designer: Cristobal Balenciaga (Spanish, Guetaria, San Sebastian 1895–1972 Javea)
- Date: ca. 1960
- Culture: French
- Medium: silk, wool
- Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Benjamin Shaw, 1974
- Object Number: 1974.258.4a, b
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
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