Barbara Hulanicki (Biba) about Balenciaga

The superstars of Paris, Balenciaga and Givenchy, did not show with the rest of the mob (in the 50s). They would usually show a month later, which meant that the whole press corporation would have to troop back to Paris. To make life even more difficult the fashion houses set an embargo on publication within two months after the shows. Only the elite were ever allowed to see a Balenciaga show. In my heart of hearts I really couldn't see what everybody were raving about. I thought Balenciaga things were old, heavy, and too structured to be worn. He lacked any humour, but I suppose Paris fashion has no humour.(c) Barbara Hulanicki (Biba) in her early years as fashion illustrator