Circa 1962-1965

Paris

Evening dress by Cristobal Balenciaga, Haute Couture (attributed to) in Gazar Magenta dating from the early 1960s. Long dress with curved bustier, sleeveless and oval neckline. Tipped waistline highlighted by a large black grosgrain bow.  Gathered skirt with basket effect ending in a mini train at the back. Pink taffeta lining in the bustier and sheathed zip and press stud fastening at the back. Petticoat in rigid black tulle and rigid tulle on the sides forming baskets on the hips. Handwritten workshop bolduc in the bottom hem of the skirt indicating Mme Colette, model 90-01, Claudine. No stains or holes, dress rarely or never worn as it is a fashion show model. Excellent colour and condition.

Dimensions: French size 34-36. Shoulders 39 cm, waist 62 cm, chest 84 cm, hips 132 cm, height 151 cm.

Cristobal Balenciaga helped radically transform the female silhouette in the 1950s and 1960s. The only couturier not to be overshadowed by Christian Dior's New-Look, Balenciaga introduced his revolutionary and avant-garde Tonneau line in 1947. His most innovative creations included the balloon jacket (1953), the tunic dress (1955), the sack dress (1957) and the Baby Doll dress (1958).