Balenciaga Edition Couture Sapphire Blue Matelassé Princess Seam Evening Coat

Like a princess cut sapphire, this Balenciaga evening coat invites one’s eyes to get lost in the blue. The elusiveness of this quiet Spanish-born designer ran in stark contrast to the bold presence of his clothes. From the Balenciaga Edition line, this coat was one of 12 clothing designs selected for reproduction from the archives of Cristobal Balenciaga's haute couture collections, dating between 1945 and 1967. The Edition line focused on meticulous research of original fabrics and construction, replicating them with current manufacturing techniques.

Made from a lustrous blue matelassé, this early 1960s style coat features princess lines at both front and back for structural shaping. Seaming at the front gracefully curves into slit pockets at hip level. The double-breasted opening is secured with articulated blue buttons that carry the texture and mood of the coat fabric. Three-quarter length sleeves are also integrated into the main bodice patterning, forming a kimono sleeve with top seam. A simple jewel neckline offers a clean finish that is perfect for either a scarf or string of pearls.

The coat is lined in black, and recalls the incomparable nature of Balenciaga’s impact on 20th century fashion. As said by Susan Irvine from an article in Telegraph, “From the moment he opened his Paris house, his clothes struck a note of simplicity that at times had a regal presence, at others a graphic grace. He reshaped women's silhouette in the 1950s, so that clothes we think of as typical of that decade are mostly dilutions of his work”

Size estimate: S/M

Size: 40

Measurements:

Bust: 38 inches

Waist: 32 inches

Hips: 38 inches

Sleeves: 17 inches

Length: 41 inches

This coat by Cristobal Balenciaga is in excellent condition with a few pulled threads. Made from a sapphire blue matelassé, the coat has a structural fit that features a double breasted front opening. Princess seaming is used at front and back, with front seams expertly curving into slit pockets.

The cut of the three quarter length sleeves integrates into the front bodice pattern, forming a kimono like sleeves with a top seam. High-quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.