This coat is extraordinary. It dates to approx the 1962-63 Haute Couture collection and is impeccable. A similar coat is held in The Metropolitan Museum permanent archives (reference photo to the left). Cristobal Balenciaga was known for his fine tailoring and sculptural approach to design and the restrained and refined lines of this suit showcase that aesthetic. Even Dior himself declared Balenciaga as "the Master of us all" and Balenciaga's impact on fashion cannot be underestimated. He passed away in 1968 so any time I acquire a piece that pre-dates his death, I am especially thrilled.

The coat looks to have never been worn, or worn very little. It is numbered under the Balanciaga label and entirely made by hand and extremely well made as one would expect from a Haute Couture piece. Cristobal was known for doing the fitting himself, from the initial muslin stage through to the final fittings which means that a couture suit such as this one, made during the years he was alive and headed the house, means that you have a garment fitted by the master himself. It is cut with the volume and curves that defined the era and showcases the influence that Balenciaga had toward direction of line and cut. A neat small collar sits above the buttons that run down the front. The seams are cut gracefully on a curve and the lines of the coat are simple, yet extremely beautiful. The subtlety of the seams is fabulous in person.  It utilizes the very minimal of seaming in its design with dropped curving shoulders and arms and a slim cut through the body - a subtle play on his iconic "cocoon" shaping he was known for. Front pockets sit on each hip at the front. The fabric is a dense heavy weight cashmere or cashmere mix and the lining a black silk. It feels insanely modern still some 50 odd years later! Excellent condition

Lined in hand set black silk taffeta. It buttons to close and has pockets on each hips. Numbered tape under the label "102151" Each pocket is lined in silk as well. There is a small area of surface nips on the back (photoed). The coat has been professionally cleaned and temperature treated to Museum Standards.

Sleeves: 19" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C421

Reference Photo: c.1963-65 Balenciaga Coat from The MET Collection.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.