Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Reading Balenciaga




 It's true that I have an affinity for fashion or rather beautifully made clothes that I must have picked up being from a retailing background. Working in a retailing store was rewarding for one reason- I learned to tell a good garment from a bad one. Besides that, I never really liked the whole idea of working in fashion and talking about clothes much. I almost felt that it was a bit shallow when there was so much more in the world to be interested in. But now in perspective- I really do appreciate all that I learned from my retail experiences. Although my clothing selection is mostly department store items- and really I wouldn't want it any other way- I still enjoy reading about the designers who changed everything in the world of high fashion.
After reading Balenciaga by Mary Blume it struck me immediately the dichotomy between designers in today's world compared to those in the past. When Christobal Balenciaga designed during the 20, 30s and forward, there was a mysterious quality to his work and to his reticent personality. He was loved by many but only really known by few. To say he kept a low profile is an understatement-and  he seemed to keep all of his energy for keen details in his sought after designs. There are instances when he would be at lunch with a woman for whom he designed a suit and would prompltly ask her to remove her jacket so that he could redo the sleeves until they fit more proplerly. Now that's a bit obsessive but that's the reason Dior and Givenchy and others referred to him as the master of us all.  Blume, through a series of lunches with Balenciaga's right hand assistant, Florette Chalot, is able to construct an interesting story of one of the greatest designers of high fashion. On an end note- I do have a little joke with my kids and it goes something like this...."Mom, someday when we're all out working and making our own money- we'll buy you and dad something really great." My response...I'll take a Balenciaga dress or two!
Next on the reading list- Drowning Ruth Christina Schwarz

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