Balenciaga in Bendigo
Visit Bendigo this Spring and immerse yourself in the work of iconic Spanish fashion designer, Cristobal Balenciaga at the Bendigo Art Gallery.
After the success of last year's wonderful Marimekko exhibition, Bendigo Art Gallery has partnered with the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, to bring the work of Balenciaga exclusively to Australia.
Referred to as 'The Master' and revered by his contemporaries, including Christian Dior and Coco Chanel, Balenciaga's is one of the most innovative and influential fashion designers of the 20th century.
His exquisite craftsmanship and pioneering use of fabrics revolutionised the female silhouette, setting the scene for modern design.
"We are thrilled to bring this exhibition, exclusive to Australia, from London's revered Victoria and Albert Museum, and to continue to showcase the work of some of the world's most important designers at Bendigo Art Gallery," said Jessica Bridgfoot, Director of Bendigo Art Gallery.
Left: Silk taffeta evening dress, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Paris, 1955 - © Victoria and Albert Museum, London Right: Evening gown and cape, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Paris, 1967 - © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Highlights include garments crafted by Balenciaga from the 1950s and 1960s – arguably the most creative period of his career when he dressed some of the most renowned women of the time – through to pieces designed by protégés and contemporary designers working in the same innovative way today.
The exhibition features examples of Balenciaga's revolutionary shapes – the tunic, sack, baby doll and shift dresses – all of which remain style staples today. Yes, you have Balenciaga to thank for your favourite summer weekend staple.
Other highlights include ensembles made by Balenciaga for Hollywood actress Ava Gardner, dresses and hats belonging to socialite and 1960s fashion icon Gloria Guinness, and pieces worn by one of the world's wealthiest women, Mona von Bismarck, who commissioned everything from ballgowns to gardening shorts from the couturier.
Left: Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga, Autumn Winter 2016 ready-to-wear, look 1. Photograph - Catwalking.com Right: Elise Daniels with street performers, suit by Balenciaga, Le Marais, Paris, 1948 - © The Richard Avedon Foundation
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula describes the exhibition as "a testament to regional Victoria's standing as an international arts destination".
We couldn't agree more.
Recent exhibitions at the Bendigo Art Gallery, including the works of other icons of fashion like Marimekko, salutes to screen goddesses like Marilyn Monroe and the recent Tudors to Windsors which traced the history of the British monarchy, have placed Bendigo firmly on the national, if not international arts map, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors, not to mention the attention of the national media.
Balenciaga: shaping fashion is another great reason to head to Bendigo and explore the region. If you're in Sydney why not try a direct Qantas flight?
17 August – 10 November 2019
Bendigo Art Gallery
www.bendigoartgallery.com.au for ticket prices and bookings
Main image: Dovima with Sacha, cloche and suit by Balenciaga, Café des Deux Magots, Paris, 1955, - © The Richard Avedon Foundation
in Lifestyle