Balenciaga Bead Embellished Black Dress - '10s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Length: 37.41 in (95 cm)Marked Size: M (EU)Bust: 17.33 in (44 cm)Waist: 17.33 in (44 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Milano, IT
- Reference Number:
Balenciaga
Starting as a modest boutique, Balenciaga evolved to transform the landscape of women’s fashion with shapes and contours during the middle of the 20th century that were nothing less than groundbreaking. Today, the brand is as venturesome as ever and is well known for its shoes, handbags, sneakers, streetwear and other clothing and accessories.
Though he was born in the quiet fishing village of Getaria in Spain’s Basque region, Cristóbal Balenciaga (1895–1972) was destined to reshape modern fashion. As a child, he worked alongside his seamstress mother. Showing immense talent, he earned commissions as a teenager from local patron Marquesa de Casa Torres, who paid for his tailoring education in Madrid. In 1917, he established his first haute couture house — named Eisa, for his mother — in the trendy resort town San Sebastián. He soon followed it with boutiques in Madrid and Barcelona, drawing such clientele as the Spanish royal family.
When the Spanish Civil War put a hold on his prospects in Spain, the designer moved to Paris, opening a house on Avenue Georges V in 1937. There, Balenciaga rubbed elbows with fashion greats like Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli and quickly won over clients like Gloria Guinness, Pauline de Rothschild and Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor.
As a couturier, Balenciaga drew from his Spanish heritage for ideas, riffing on everything from matador costumes and flamenco dresses to the paintings of Diego Velázquez, whose portraits of Spanish princesses famously inspired Balenciaga’s Infanta gown.
An expert tailor, he experimented with sculptural silhouettes that didn’t follow the body. Some of his notable designs include the 1953 balloon jacket, and from 1957, the cocoon coat, the baby-doll dress and the sack dress, which he popularized with his good friend designer Hubert de Givenchy. All of these could be considered not just the masterpieces of haute couture, but also objets d’art in their own right, leading to Balenciaga’s nickname, “The Master.”
Balenciaga continued designing until 1968, when he retired after three decades of influential work and his fashion house went dormant. The rights to Balenciaga were acquired by Jacques Bogart S.A. in 1986. Under designer Michel Goma, who focused on ready-to-wear, the brand experienced a resurgence, with his first collection introduced in 1987.
The brand returned to high fashion with the arrival of designer Josephus Thimister in 1992. It has since been led by a series of creative directors who have paid homage to Balenciaga’s iconic designs, including Nicolas Ghesquière, Alexander Wang and, most recently, Demna Gvasalia. In 2011, a museum celebrating Balenciaga’s legacy opened in his hometown in Spain, commemorating where it all began.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Balenciaga crossbody bags, tote bags, day dresses, shirts and more.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Milano, Italy
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Roberto Cavalli Animalier Print Dress with Front ZipperBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Milano, ITThis Roberto Cavalli Animalier Print Dress features a swirl animalier print with a striking black ombre upper, and a gold-toned adjustable front zipper for a versatile look. The long...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Gucci Plexiglass Bead DressBy GucciLocated in Milano, ITThe Gucci dress from Spring 2011 runway collection, is decorated with plexiglass, beads and fabric bangs, creating an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. The decorations are placed...Category
Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Gianfranco Ferré Off-shoulder Long DressBy Gianfranco FerréLocated in Milano, ITGianfranco Ferré 90's black dress entirely decorated with black tubular crystals. Long fit with round neckline and long sheer sleeves.Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Gucci Strapless Long Dress - '10sBy GucciLocated in Milano, ITThe turquoise Gucci Strapless Long Dress is an elegant piece with a unique twist-drape waist. The dress can be tightened with the zipper on the back and features an inner corset to a...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses
- Vivienne Westwood Black Dress with Glitter Fringes- '10sBy Vivienne WestwoodLocated in Milano, ITStrike a balance between modern glamour and unconventional chic with this Vivienne Westwood black dress with glitter fringes. Part of the...Category
2010s European Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Roberto Cavalli Floral and Leopard Print Braided Strap DressBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Milano, ITFeatured in the Spring/Summer 2002 Runway by Roberto Cavalli in an alternate fashion, this dress features a floral and leopard print which showcases a true Roberto Cavalli aesthetic....Category
Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vicky Tiel Black & White Lace Strapless Dress w/ Beading - 44By Vicky TielLocated in West Palm Beach, FLVicky Tiel Black & White Lace Strapless Dress w/ Beading - 44. This beautiful dress is in excellent condition. It features a gorgeous black lace over a white nylon blend, a built-i...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Evening Dresses
- Carolyne Roehm 1980's Black Velvet Dress with Olive Ruffle Bottom - 4By Carolyne RoehmLocated in West Palm Beach, FLCarolyne Roehm 1980's Black Velvet Dress with Olive Ruffle Bottom - 4. This dress is in excellent vintage condition. It is short sleeved and has side ruching with rhinestone buttons ...Category
1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Rose Taft Vintage Purple & Teal Silk Blend Strapless Gown w/ Floral Design - 10By ROSE TAFTLocated in West Palm Beach, FLRose Taft Vintage Purple & Teal Silk Blend Strapless Gown w/ Floral Design - 10. This lovely vintage gown is in excellent condition. It features a purple and teal silk blend materi...Category
Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Linda Cunningham Taupe Silk Gown w/ Multi Floral Lace & 3 Tier Ruffle Bust - 10Located in West Palm Beach, FLLinda Cunningham Taupe Silk Gown w/ Multi Floral Lace & 3 Tier Ruffle Bust - 10. This gorgeous gown is in excellent condition. It features a taupe silk material, three tier ruffle ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Gowns
- Givenchy Multi Color Silk Organza Floral Halter Dress with Ruffle, Circa 1970sBy GivenchyLocated in West Palm Beach, FLGivenchy Multi Color Silk Organza Floral Halter w/ Ruffle -38 - Circa 70's This magnificent vintage silk organza multi floral print has a point d esprit detail to it as well. It has ...Category
1970s French Summer Dresses
- Fendi Black Cotton Blend Tapered Dress with Cutouts - 40By FendiLocated in West Palm Beach, FLFendi Black Cotton Blend Tapered Dress with Cutouts - 40. This chic tapered dress has a straight neckline and cutouts on the sleeves. On the back, t...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns