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Cristóbal Balenciaga (1895 - 1972) - Masterful Black

In the autumn of 2022 Kunstmuseum Den Haag pays tribute to his oeuvre in this colour with the fashion exhibition Balenciaga - Masterful Black. More than 100 masterpieces from the collections of Palais Galliera and Maison Balenciaga are already waiting behind the scenes in Paris. From September 24, 2022, they steal the show in Kunstmuseum The Hague.

Balenciaga was considered 'le maître' among couturiers. "If haute couture is an orchestra, then Balenciaga is the conductor and the rest of us are just the musicians following the master's instructions," Christian Dior once said.

The Spanish fashion designer was known as a strict couturier who regarded his work as his religion. His sculptural and complex shapes were best seen in one of his favourite colours: black.

Playing with black

For Balenciaga, black is the perfect colour to emphasise his artistry. Without the distraction of colour, a Balenciaga design in black - whether it is a tailored suit, a dazzling evening gown or a voluminous baby doll dress - first impresses with its sculptural and complex design.

At a second glance, the eye is seduced by the rich, often contrasting textures and exquisite details. The play of light on Balenciaga's black creates a brilliant fabric expression. Black in lace, embroidery, velvet, draped silk, fringes or brilliant sequins - each couture piece is magnificently executed. In contrast to the unbleached cotton that most couturiers work with,

Balenciaga even executes his prototypes in black. In the exhibition, it becomes clear that the couturier plays a mesmerising game with this colour.