URL: https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/balenciaga-shaping-fashion Fetched: 2026-09-08 Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion - Exhibition · V&A Skip to main content Become a Member Search Alternatively search more than 1.25 million objects from the V&A Collections Search the collections Visit us What’s on Collections Learn Join & Support Shop More Learn Join & Support Shop Become a Member Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion Cristóbal Balenciaga's exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs shaped modern fashion This exhibition examined the work and legacy of influential Spanish couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga, with over 100 pieces crafted by ‘the master’ of couture, his protégées and contemporary fashion designers working in the same innovative tradition. Past exhibition Ran from 27 May 2017 to 18 February 2018 at Sign up to our emails Receive updates from the V&A family of museums about exhibitions, events, courses, products and ways to support the V&A. You can change your preferences or unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy notice . This exhibition is now closed at See all exhibitions What's on Highlights Past events Features Shop Sponsored by As a brand with a long history of supporting the fashion industry, American Express is proud to partner with the V&A. Our Card Members are increasingly passionate about art and design, so we're delighted to share this unique exhibition with them and other visitors of the V&A. We hope you enjoy this exquisite collection of work by Cristóbal Balenciaga and the contemporary designers inspired by him as much we do. View sponsor statement Collections Cristóbal Balenciaga Exhibition highlights Silk taffeta evening dress, Cristóbal Balenciaga, 1955, Paris, France Cristóbal Balenciaga at work, 1968, Paris. Photograph by Henri Cartier-Bresson. © Henri Cartier-Bresson, Magnum Photos Hat, designed by Cristóbal Balenciaga, made for Eisa, 1962, Spain Oscar de la Renta, Spring Summer 2015 ready-to-wear, look 37. Photograph courtesy of Catwalking.com Evening mini-dress, Paco Rabanne, 1967. Museum no. T.165:1 to 3-1983 Elise Daniels with street performers, suit by Balenciaga, Le Marais, Paris, August 1948. © The Richard Avedon Foundation Cristóbal Balenciaga evening dress, black gazar, 1967. Photograph by Hiro Wakabayashi for Harper's Bazaar X-ray photograph of silk taffeta evening dress by Cristóbal Balenciaga, 1955, Paris, France. Photograph by Nick Veasey. © Nick Veasey (Detail) Evening dress, designed by Cristóbal Balenciaga, 1960 – 62, Paris, France Past events Past event Special event Fashion in Motion: Inspired by Balenciaga More info Past event Workshop A Stitch in Time More info Past event Talk Lunchtime Lecture: The History of Fashion Journalism More info Past event Special event Members' Preview Day: Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion More info Past event Talk Curator Talk: Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion More info Past event Talk Picturing Balenciaga More info Past event Workshop The Art of Adornment More info Past event Special event Teacher Twilight: Balenciaga More info Past event Talk Lunchtime Lecture: Balenciaga - Shaping Fashion More info Past event Special event V&A Sanctuary: Balenciaga More info Past event Workshop Summer School - Balenciaga Brooch Workshop More info Past event Workshop Smart Embroidery: tradition and technology More info Past event Workshop Create! Pattern Cutting (13 – 15 years) More info Past event Workshop Create! Pattern Cutting (16 – 19 years) More info Past event Workshop Create! Make Your Own Garment (16 – 19 years) More info Past event Workshop Create! Contemporary Hand Embroidery (16 – 19 years) More info Past event Workshop Create! Fashion Photography (13-15 years) More info Past event Workshop Create! Make Your Own Garment (13 – 15 years) More info Past event Special event V&A Book Group: The Seamstress More info Past event Drop-in CreateInsights: Balenciaga Revealed (16 – 24 years) More info Past event Workshop Create! Fashion Illustration (13 – 15 years) More info Past event Workshop Create! Fashion Illustration (16 – 19 years) More info Past event Workshop Create! Fashion Make-up (13 – 15 years) More info Past event Workshop Create! Fashion Make-up (16 – 19 years) More info Past event Talk Nick Veasey: Forensic Fashion X-Rays More info Past event Tour Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion - Behind-the-Scenes Tour More info Past event Special event Extra-ordinary: Inspired by Balenciaga More info Past event Short course Masters of Modern Fashion: Worth to Westwood More info Past event Workshop Geometric Pattern Cutting: Balenciaga More info Past event Conferences and study days Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion More info Past event Evening course Fashion Illustration with Christopher Kelly More info Past event Workshop Art of Adornment More info Past event Workshop Create! Surreal Masks and Photography (13 - 15 years) More info Past event Workshop Illustrating Letters More info Past event Online course On The Bias: Fashion’s Obsession With The West More info Past event Online course Fashion Photography: A Visual History More info Features read About the Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion exhibition Find out more about the first UK exhibition on the work and influence of master couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga Shop Explore the range of exclusive gifts, jewellery, prints and more. Every purchase supports the V&A Visit the shop Back to the top Sign up to our emails Hear about collections, exhibitions, courses and events from the V&A and ways you can support us. You can change your preferences or opt out of hearing from us at any time using the unsubscribe link in our emails. Read our full privacy notice . 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