April 30 – November 1, 2021 at the Cristobal Balenciaga Museoa, Getaria — Sculptors of Shape, an exhibition showcases the works of two masters of architectural fashion – Azzedine Alaïa and Cristobal Balenciaga – under the curation of Olivier Saillard and Gaël Mamine. This project is organised by the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation in collaboration with the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum.

The idea was originally promoted by Hubert de Givenchy. A few months after the death of Alaïa and decades after the death of Balenciaga, Givenchy as one of the last great guardians of fashion’s collective memory, proposed to the Association about his desire to bring these two great talents together. It is hoped that this original and unprecedented exhibition may constitute an affectionate tribute to him.

In 2020, the same exhibition featuring over 56 garments were presented in Paris at the Association Azzedine Alaïa and now flown to Getaria in which the exhibition celebrated the two’s sculpting prowess. Their designs impressed legions of architects and designers with their meticulously judged proportions and sensual silhouettes at the same time empowering women. The Spanish born Balenciaga and the Tunisian born couturier Alaïa were dedicated to construction and the quest for timeliness. And these were well presented in the exhibition, synchronically plotted through a labyrinth of fine white mesh screens. It presented a sequence of gowns that segues from an Alaïa’s sculpted bodice strapless black gown (1988) to an outstanding Balenciaga’s Watteau pleated strapless black taffeta design with a balloon skirt (1958) and a taffeta siren gown by Alaïa (2003).

Sculptors of Shape presents 100 works from the archives of both designers. Alaïa and Balenciaga both shared a perfect balance of measurements and volumes, also shared a love for muted colours and rich blacks. The dresses they made were coming from their determination and mastery of the technique that the two masterfully handled.

“Balenciaga had a knowledge of the trade, the cut, he knew how to sew… he was a true creator of fashion, capable of inventing a new volume, a new technique for the sleeves or the neckline. Balenciaga has always influenced me. Without a doubt, he is one of the best dressmakers of all time ” – Azzedine Alaïa

 

It was Balenciaga that remained Alaïa’s biggest inspiration that Balenciaga was ‘the most loved, the most appreciated’ for him. Their bold structured forms and architectural designs mirror each other in each unique style. In the history of fashion, these two great silent figures, immune to the effects of trends, have had a great deal to say to one another. The exhibition clearly portrays how timeless their designs are and how both are equally skilled.

source: www.cristobalbalenciagamuseoa.com ; www.aeworld.com