Fashion is an artistic expression that transcends time, and Cristóbal Balenciaga is an iconic figure who has left an immense mark on the haute couture industry. So how do you distill a 30-year career that reshaped fashion, forever altering the way women dress, into just six television episodes? This was the question that confronted the creators of Cristóbal Balenciaga, a Disney+ original series. Inspired by the life and work of its titular character, the series spans five decades, beginning in the 1970s, when Balenciaga – famously averse to publicity – agrees to grant an interview to Prudence Glynn, a royal journalist who became the world's first fashion editor. The Times. In this way, it reminds her of her 30 years in Paris, which began in 1937, when she arrived after fleeing the Spanish Civil War to join the exclusive world of French haute couture.

Balenciaga's Journey in Paris

Arriving in Paris after years of creating clothes for the Spanish elite, Balenciaga struggles to find his place in a world dominated by the likes of Coco Chanel. But the most striking aspect of Balenciaga's collections that we see from the beginning is, as Daigeler says, the fact that they all look incredibly modern; he truly understood how to dress a woman's body. The series demonstrates the technique behind the clothes and Balenciaga's mastery of fabric. It is meticulous, laborious and, at times, pedantic. However, it leads to a beauty and style that the world has never seen before.

The Challenge of Recreating the Magic of Balenciaga

There are a lot of costumes in the series; In addition to the clothes each character wears, Balenciaga's most famous creations are on display throughout the series, as well as those by Chanel and Christian Dior. Fortunately, Daigeler had a strong team to assist her with the project, allowing her to focus on recreating the magic of Balenciaga. “It's not just copying, it's really studying and finding the right fabrics that was immensely important to be able to copy the pieces. This is a big challenge because now, the fabrics are completely different. In other words, we were lucky to have access to the archives to study some original pieces and see how they were made.”

Emotion and Politics on the Catwalks

Each fashion show in the series carries real emotion, amplified by the political backdrop. As well, Balenciaga lived during the Nazi occupation of Paris. He was also gay, something he denied. Balenciaga's partner, both in love and business, was French-Polish millionaire Wladzio d'Attainville. When d'Attainville died suddenly in 1948, Balenciaga considered joining a monastery and closing his business.

Therefore, his next collection was all in black to symbolize his mourning. In other words, politics, in turn, permeates clothes. At the beginning of the series, some of the hats worn by Balenciaga anger the Nazis due to their dramatic quality. As a warning, d'Attainville says, “You start with big hats and you don't know where it might lead.” Does Daigeler think today's clothes can carry so much political significance? “I think because of industrialization it's different now, we all dress the same. It’s mostly fast fashion.”

Balenciaga's Legacy

By the early 1960s, Balenciaga had truly found success, revolutionizing the female silhouette and designing for celebrities and royalty around the world. What does Daigeler want us to take away from this glimpse into the world of Balenciaga? “I would say that haute couture is a beautiful thing, and sometimes I worry that it will disappear. What I mean is true tailoring and handcrafting – not enough people are being trained and want to learn it. Maybe we should consume less, but with more quality. This would be much better for our planet and also for us.”

Ultimately, Balenciaga closed his Maison in 1968, after winning the admiration of his fellow designers in Paris – Dior called him 'the master of us all' – and a legion of loyal customers. In other words, among the silk nails, perhaps there's something to be learned from this glimpse into one of the most transformative moments in fashion's past that could serve us well now. As Daigeler puts it: “Less is more.”

The Challenge of Replicating Balenciaga's Elegance

While there is undoubtedly a challenge in portraying her rich and often complicated life, perhaps more pressing is the question of how to replicate some of the most famous outfits in fashion history. The answer, as it turns out, is to hire Bina Daigeler, the costume designer behind Tár and Mrs. America, who has received both Oscar and Emmy nominations. “I was really nervous because Balenciaga is such an iconic designer,” says Daigeler. “There are such special pieces, the way they are constructed, that it was a huge challenge to make them realistic and live up to this moment of haute couture that we wanted to show.” And they show it – the silk taffeta clouds and chiffon balls make you feel like you can reach out and touch them, feeling them rustle between your fingers.

We'll explore 10 impressive lessons the Balenciaga series teaches us.

In other words, revealing not only his fashion genius, but also his lasting influence.

1. Innovation and Vanguard

Cristobal Balenciaga, a fashion visionary, pioneered innovations that transcended the expectations of the time. His series reflects the incessant search for the avant-garde, introducing concepts that have shaped contemporary fashion.

2. Cristóbal Balenciaga's Improved Technique

Balenciaga's technique it is a symphony of skill and mastery. In other words, each piece in the series is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail, highlighting the technical excellence that elevates haute couture to a higher level.

3. Sublime Elegance

The Balenciaga series highlights the sublime elegance that permeates every creation. The clothes strike a perfect balance between sophistication and simplicity, revealing Balenciaga's unique ability to transform fabrics into masterpieces.

4. Lasting Influence

Balenciaga's influence transcends generations. The series highlights how his creations continue to inspire contemporary designers, highlighting the timelessness of his fashion legacy.

5. Cristóbal Balenciaga's Authentic Style

Balenciaga didn't just follow trends; he defined them. Your series teaches us about the importance of maintaining a authentic style, challenging norms and creating a unique identity that endures over time.

6. Distinctive Color Palette

The series reveals Balenciaga's mastery in choosing colors. Your distinctive color palette not only enhances the beauty of the pieces, but also communicates emotions and narratives through the careful combination of tones.

7. The Importance of Detail

Every seam, every fold, every detail in Balenciaga's creations tells a story. In this way, the series highlights the importance of paying meticulous attention to details, elevating the garments to true works of art.

8. Symbiosis with Culture

Balenciaga didn't just design clothes; he created pieces that were an expression of the culture of his time. Your series teaches us about the importance of symbiosis with culture, incorporating elements that resonate with the society in which we live.

9. The Power of Simplicity

Beauty often lies in simplicity. Balenciaga understood this deeply, and his series highlights the power of simplicity in fashion, showing how less can truly be more.

10. Cristóbal Balenciaga's Immortal Legacy

The Balenciaga series is a testament to the immortal legacy that he left behind. In other words, each piece is a link in the fashion chain, connecting generations and inspiring a continuous future of innovation and elegance.