Hamish BowlesBalenciaga and Spain

This is another great book on one of the fashion greats. The chapters are broken out by his influences(bull fighting, religious art) and are researched and detailed with thesis-like precision. Each chapter is illustrated with pictures of his influences, some of his design sketches, period watercolors and photos, and a few new photos. The reason why I cannot give this book the highest rating is because of the lack of recent photos of the garments. If this book was not an exhibition catalog I could understand the lack of getting recent photography but with an exhibition of over 130 items, less than 30 items were illustrated with recent photography. It left me wanting more.

Simply put, this book is a fantastic exploration into the Spanish inspiration that carried throughout Christobal Balenciaga's career. The pictures of the inspiration and the resulting dresses/outfits were fantastic. The layout is perfect. Not an in-depth history of the house by any means, but rather, a very specific slice of a level of creativity that very few fashions houses have achieved. For anyone interested in sincere fashion design and beautiful publications that will, in turn, inspire you, please do yourself a favor and purchase this book.

This book is excellent! It contains a lot of beautiful photos and illustrations!Balenciaga is one of the best couturier for me and I am well pleased with this book!

A wonderful coffee table book which depicts in great detail pictures, commentary and inspiration of a great designer. I highly recommend it.

This book is a good reference for fashion designers and those interested in the history of fashion. I'm glad to have it but have not just fallen in love with the book.

Truly a must for anyone's library!

awesome! love it!

Great book about a great master

This is a book that compares Spanish social history with Balenciaga's couture, all printed beautifully. The essays are insightful and the dresses are fantastic. my only complaint is some of the comparisons are a little opportunistic. Other than that well worth a look.

fantastic book

Libro in ottime condizione e spedizione nei tempi concordati