Elegance
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Pillbox. Cristóbal Balenciaga. 1955. MTIB 109.935. Photo: Vicente Paredes
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Pillbox. Cristóbal Balenciaga. 1953. MTIB 109.941. Photo: Vicente Paredes
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Hat. Cristóbal Balenciaga. 1949-1953. MTIB 13.677. Photo Vicente Paredes
According to the various canons of beauty that have existed throughout history, a straight back and upright posture are signs of distinction. People with good posture and graceful movements project an image of elegance, self-assuredness, confidence and dignity.
The models represented what was regarded as the epitome of elegance for an haute couture client. They walked swiftly around the room, holding in their hand the number of the design they were wearing, all the while maintaining an upright posture and looking off into the distance. Their posture was emphasised by their headdress, precisely positioned using haircombs and pins. Part of the success lay in the fact that clients were able to appreciate the volumes and elegance of the design and imagine themselves wearing the headdress at one of the many events in their social lives.