Balenciaga and the popular costume
The Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum and Central Saint Martins-UAL are collaborating on an educational project that enables students at the London-based school to discover the origins of Cristóbal Balenciaga.
The students of BA Fashion Design Womenswear, BA Fashion Print and BA Fashion Communication went on a study trip to discover the origins of Cristóbal Balenciaga and his decisive influence on couture. There they had the opportunity to analyse nine of pieces in the museum’s collection and explore the temporary exhibition, Coal and Velvet: Views on Popular Costumes by Ortiz Echague and Cristóbal Balenciaga, the theme of the collaborative project.
Process and outcomes of the educational project
Following the study trip, and under the supervision of the instructors in each area, the students documented their process of research and creativity, designing a complete outfit which was then evaluated by both institutions.
The students’ work was assessed mainly on their ability to apply techniques and aesthetics of popular costume to their designs, the methods of adaptation and interpretation used, and the study and implication of the procedures used by Cristóbal Balenciaga in this regard.
The Fashion Communication students put together an online exhibit with a selection of the best works which will be presented today coinciding with the students’ participation in the Fashion in Motion project at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
Fashion in Motion aims to shine a spotlight on up-and-coming designers. To this end, an annual parade is held at the museum. This year, under the motto Inspired by Balenciaga, models will show fifteen outfits created by the Central Saint Martins-UAL and Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum educational project.
The Museum continues to work with Central Saint Martins and other schools to promote creativity and entrepreneurship in the world of fashion.
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