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Palazzo Morando will host the first monographic exhibition dedicated to Cristóbal Balenciaga, marking the 130th anniversary of his birth. Running from 21 February to 2 March, the exhibition coincides with MICAM and Milan Fashion Week. Balenciaga. Shoes from Spain Tribute is promoted by the Federation of Spanish Footwear Industries (FICE), spearheaded by its president Rosana Perán, who also serves as president of the European Confederation of the Footwear Industry (CEC) and vice president of the Pikolinos Group. The project fosters a dialogue between the DNA of the great designer, renowned for his mastery of cut and pattern-making, and the creativity of Spanish shoemakers. After all, Balenciaga consistently blended the artistry of Spanish tradition with contemporary innovation, and his footwear has remained a pivotal reference in shoe design.

Tradition and innovation, tailoring techniques and avant-garde design – these elements define the couturier’s stylistic signature. The exhibition highlights his deep connection to his Spanish heritage, emphasising how tradition also plays a crucial role in the creation of accessories.

Cristóbal Balenciaga is known for his revolutionary approach to the female silhouette. His famous words – “A couturier must be an architect for shape, a painter for color, a musician for harmony, and a philosopher for proportion.” – continue to inspire those in the fashion industry today, reaffirming the enduring relevance of his vision and creations, making him one of the most influential figures of the 20th century.

On display at Palazzo Morando, in a never-before-seen exhibition, are twenty-five original Cristóbal Balenciaga designs, sourced from museum and private collections. Alongside these are a series of footwear pieces, specially created for this event by renowned Spanish brands, including: Alhamas, Alohas, Casteller, Chie Mihara, Creaciones S.W., De Flores Y Floreros, Flabelus, Gaimo, Hispanitas, Kanna, Lottusse, Magnanni, Magrit, Martinelli, Mascaró, Pedro Garcia, Pedro Miralles, Pertini, Pikolinos, Pitillos, Pons Quintana, Pretty Ballerinas, Ras, Ria Menorca, and Zinda. Some of these brands collaborated with historic ateliers for the creation of uppers and heels, further enhancing Spain’s rich artisanal expertise.

Spanning eight areas across the ground floor and the Golden Lounge on the upper level, the exhibition presents Balenciaga’s garments as timeless sculptures, treating them as works of art. The setup features monochromatic rooms and display boxes, inspired by Balenciaga’s iconic codes – the butter-white of his Parisian atelier and the deep black that accentuates the architecture of his designs. The exhibition culminates with an exquisite pale pink silk evening gown, adorned with sequins and golden beads, paired with a matching silk satin coat. This masterpiece is displayed in the exclusive Golden Lounge, a space normally closed to the public.