I always choose very carefully the fashion books I purchase online and only after thorough documentation. Viewing the cover, title and product description can easily mislead you and what you had thought it would be a great addition to your book collection might prove to lack content, photo quality and so on.
But I have no doubt about this one: Balenciaga
, by Pierre Arizzoli-Clemental and Miren Arzalluz. I’ve read many reviews highly recommending it and I have the feeling it will beautifully complete the other Cristóbal Balenciaga book I own, Balenciaga and Spain, which I consider an art and fashion investment. This book was published last year to mark the long awaited inauguration of the Balenciaga Museum in Getaria, Guipuzcoa, Spain, which houses a permanent collection of over 100 pieces created by the master designer. If you’re planning a trip to Spain make sure to include a visit to the museum in the itinerary. The book includes illustrations of the entire collection exhibited, as well as research and analysis of the designer’s work. It may bring us a little closer to understand his ‘métier’, what he himself found so impossible to explain to others.
photos: 2-6—a few of Balenciaga’s creations from the permanent collection at Cristóbal Balenciaga Museoa
I am always on the lookout for new fashion books, this one looks really good. Learning about the history of any deisgner fascinates me, Blaenciaga must be an inspiring read x
I always love discovering new fashion books – this looks exquisite + i’m so interested in the history of the beautiful history of Balenciaga creations. If only I were to be visiting Spain soon -the exhibition sounds wonderful! xx
Nice a must have xoxo
This looks stunning!
I would love to have a couple of books about Balenciaga, but they are still on my wish list… Eventually they’ll be mine. 🙂 On a different note – isn’t it that pink patterned dress is fantastic? I could wear it right now and do a happy dance.
Hope you are having a great day, darling!
xxx
The pink patterned dress is very beautiful, Natalia. It would brighten up my day when wearing it. 🙂
To be honest.. I don’t know much about Balenciaga… maybe it’s time to do something about it 🙂
wonderful written, Ada! I have many design books but onle 3 fashion books:
1. In Vogue: The Illustrated History of the World’s Most Famous Fashion Magazine
2. Savage Beauty
3. Balenciaga
That book is a must have for my coffee table!!
Ada, I am going to need to get this book as well as the other one you mention. I did not know about the archive in Spain, but now I’m dying to see it. So you have inspired a whole trip for me! I love your close attention to detail–you would be such a great writer, I hope you write a fashion book for us in the near future!
xo Mary Jo
Mary Jo, thank you for your kind words. It means a lot coming from you. 🙂
Dear Ada, thanks so much for your most lovely comment on my last entry about series (second part is online since today). Well, there is so much to discover and I’m thankful for hearing all new recommendations! 🙂
As for Balenciaga – true – this museum need to be visited. Let’s put it on the list (this year is for holiday in Italy – but hopefully to Spain incl Barcelona within next year! YAY!). Thanks so much for sharing. Balenciaga is a gorgeous-gorgeous-gorgeous label. Although I’m not familiar with the older collections so much I’ve admired some of the last century designs often when I stumbled upon pictures. I felt so much in love with my black flat brass first bag by Balenciaga in 2002. There were only three bags available on Ebay – imagine! I was so crazy I paid double of retail. However, cost per wear has redeemed this investment already…. The actual collections are too abstract to me since two years now. Finding it difficult to get connected to the newer designs…. :-S Wishing you a happy Wednesday!!
Sof xxx
Dear Sofie, I totally subscribe to your point of you regarding the latest Balenciaga collections. As much as I love Cristóbal Balenciaga’s works and visionary talent, I am really disappointed about the direction the fashion house has taken over the last years. I also find the designs too abstract, too far off the original creations. xo
This one is undoubtedly one of my favourite fashion books as well (along with the one of Dior by Demarchelier). Have so many books though that it is going to cost me a fortune now that I am packing up my flat to move to Mexico..!
Oh yes another book to add to the collection (which seems to grow each year!) The one i already have is ‘Balanciaga Paris’ (Thames&Hudson) and covers the early history of the salon to present day (2006). The early stuff is what interests me more, and these dress above are all so au courant don’t you think? You could easily wear them again these days. Which goes to show that a good cut and fabulous style is eternal. I’d love to see this exhibition in Spain – now how to get there?? I remember going to a Balenciaga exhibit here at our National Gallery a few years ago now, and rediscovering the postcards and book I purchased from there recently – just gorgeous! xx
Oh my goodness…beautiful. Love the green coat. To die for!
Ada, today I wrote my first posts about fashion books! The suggestions that you and Natalia give us in your blogs are endless source of inspiration and increase my never-ending wish-list…The classic Balenciaga pieces are part of fashion history and this book seems wonderful. Thank you for sharing!
Gorgeous dresses! Loving the dress in pink polka dots! Enjoy the beautiful day, Kellie xx
Ohhh, too bad that it is in the north part and I will be visiting Madrid and Andalusia! But lovely Ada, you made another wonderful book recommendation. Have a perfect day :*
So glad to hear that you recommend it! I’ve been very curious about it myself.
Hope you’re having a great week, Ada! xoxo
ARCHIVE