"Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion" exhibition explores the impact of the Spanish couturier on worldwide fashion

Victoria & Albert Museum celebrates Balenciaga with the exhibition Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion who explores Maison's creative history, from the beginning with its founder Cristobal Balenciaga to most recent collections designed by some of the hottest fashion designers of out time.

A part of the exhibition is entirely dedicated to Cristobal Balenciaga's works, with over 100 pieces and 20 hats by which we can explore the fashion designer's creative style, very appreciated on runways as well as Hollywood – his clothes have been worn by cinema icons like Ava Gardner.

The second part of the exhibition traces Balenciaga's impact on fashion, showing several pieces inspired by the stylistic aesthetic of the Maison – including very famous brands like Chanel and Christian Dior, but also Molly Goddard and Simone Rocha. The exhibition also features clothes designed by different Creative Directors who have held the Maison – including Nicolas Ghesquière and Demna Gvasalia. A special video by Gareth Pugh and some quotes by different fashion designers written on the walls appear alongside the clothes.

Then, the exhibition shows a special collaboration between Victoria & Albert Museum and the artist Nick Veasey, which for the occasion has created an art project who shows the Spanish couturier's works seen through X-RAYS.