Fashion Exhibition Review. Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion. V&A

1. What story do you think the exhibition was trying to tell?

Story of Cristobal Balenciaga’s talent, creative work, its legacy and influence to contemporary fashion designers of Balenciaga.

2. Which object in the exhibition did you find the most interesting? Why?

I’ve loved to see the development of the garment making. In the display window you can see sketches, the garment made of calico, the final garment, which rotates 360 degrees, so you can see all around, all the draping and the photo of model wearing that dress. This development let people see how much work goes into making garment before it hits the runway and the shops.

3. Which part of the exhibition was the MOST successful (e.g. the objects on display, the design of the exhibition space, the labels, the wall text, the catalogue)? Give three reasons for your choice.

The objects on display are the most successful part of the exhibition since they are impressive, luxurious, innovative and very inspiring. There are lots of information about the garment, its history, moreover, the development of the garments. Exhibition provides various visual information (videos, photographs, sketches, sketchbooks) about the garment and its making, which I believe leads to the deeper knowledge and understanding of the exhibition and its objects.

4. Which part of the exhibition was the LEAST successful (e.g. the objects on display, the design of the exhibition space, the labels, the wall text, the catalogue)? Give three reasons for your choice.

I wish there were more space, so you could look at the garments from further away and do not disturb other people or block the way. It would help to enjoy the beauty of garments and take photos, drawings, to not feel the need to move on to the next object. Also, the lightning could be better.

5. Look at the other people attending the exhibition. How would you characterise them as a group or demographic? (e.g. are most visitors a certain age, class or race?)

The most visitors are stylish middle aged women.

6. Is there anything missing from the exhibition? (e.g. if you were the curator, what would you add or take away?)

I wish there were more accessories (shoes, bags) and sketchbooks/drawings/textile journals/catalogues in the modern Balenciaga part of exhibition.