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Discover the Elegance of Cristóbal Balenciaga's 'Eisa' Cocktail Dress: A Fashion History Exhibition

Delve into the intricate design and significant cultural context of this haute couture garment from post-war Spain.

This special exhibition showcases the renowned 'Eisa' cocktail dress by Cristóbal Balenciaga, a pivotal piece in fashion history. Explore its exquisite construction, materials like draped black organza, and the detailed embroidery of amber and crystal beads. The display examines the dress's historical significance within post-war Spanish society and highlights the enduring legacy of the EISA fashion house and Balenciaga's visionary design.

About Balenciaga 'Eisa' Cocktail Dress at Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas in Madrid

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Balenciaga 'Eisa' Cocktail Dress at Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas in Madrid

Exhibition summary

This exhibition highlights the 'Eisa' cocktail dress by Cristóbal Balenciaga, a significant piece from the museum's collection. The display details the garment's construction, its historical and social context in post-war Spain, and the legacy of the EISA fashion house.

Curatorial context

The Museo del Traje presents the 'Eisa' cocktail dress by Cristóbal Balenciaga, a representative piece from its collection, as its 'Model of the Month' for November. This exhibition delves into the socio-economic landscape of Spain following the Civil War, a period marked by austerity and a shift in societal norms that also influenced fashion. It details how, by the mid-1950s, economic recovery and increased communication with the outside world began to open up new avenues for consumer desires, particularly among the emerging bourgeoisie. The 'Eisa' dress itself, crafted from draped black organza embroidered with amber and crystal beads over a strong underlying fabric, exemplifies the elegance of cocktail attire from the late 1940s. The exhibition elaborates on the dress's construction, including its two-part design with a fitted bodice and an A-line skirt, and its accompanying inner lining. It also provides a comprehensive overview of Cristóbal Balenciaga's career, from his early influences and the establishment of his fashion houses, including EISA, to his status as an international haute couture reference alongside designers like Christian Dior. The text further contextualizes Balenciaga within the Spanish fashion scene, discussing his contemporaries and the impact of historical events on the industry.

Admission and ticket notes

Asistencia libre y gratuita. Duración 30 minutos. Sundays in November at 12:30 PM.

Balenciaga 'Eisa' Cocktail Dress key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Balenciaga 'Eisa' Cocktail Dress at Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas in Madrid

Venue
Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
From Nov 1, 2007
Artist line / attribution
Cristóbal Balenciaga
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