by Zhou Fangying
Balenciaga has opened its new flagship in Beijing's Sanlitun Taikoo Li, its largest store worldwide. Spanning four floors and 1,204 square meters, the new flagship underscores the brand's growing presence in China.
To commemorate the opening, Balenciaga is presenting "Women Behind The Dress," a special exhibition on the third floor salon space, showcasing six vintage haute couture gowns designed by founder Cristóbal Balenciaga. It is the first time these archival pieces are being shown publicly in China.
The exhibition highlights Balenciaga's historic relationships with its female clients, particularly figures from the worlds of film and art. The gowns on display were once worn by Princess Grace of Monaco, actresses Marlene Dietrich and Ingrid Bergman, Parisian socialite Francine Weisweiller, and artist Annabel Buffet. Each piece is exhibited alongside archival photographs of its original wearer, offering a glimpse into the personal histories behind the designs and the golden era of mid-20th-century couture.
The exhibition is curated by Balenciaga's Archives and Heritage Department, established in 2001 to preserve, restore, and study the legacy of Cristóbal Balenciaga. The department's collection has grown to include over 900 pieces to date.
