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Woman's Evening Ensemble: Dress, Overdress, Bustle, and Petticoat

Spring 1951
Designed by Cristóbal Balenciaga (Spanish (active Spain and France), 1895–1972)
Inspired by his Spanish heritage, master couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga reinterpreted a flamenco dancer’s full, flounced dress. In his version, black organza petals cascade down the skirt front, softly framed by the cutaway skirt of a removable white cotton overdress. Balenciaga’s $3,000 haute couture creation, exquisitely tailored and constructed, was purchased for a special showing at Wanamaker’s department store because it "most dramatically illustrates the 1951 fashion trend of extravagant romanticism."

Object Details

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