Cristóbal Balenciaga, Philippe Venet, Hubert de Givenchy: Grand Traditions of French Couture

Cristobal Balenciaga, Philippe Venet, and Hubert de Givenchy are unparalleled masters of the grand tradition of French fashion, and their individual contributions have set the standard for haute couture.?Not only did the great Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga create a style, but he also invented a technique. He was the architect of haute couture and has had a prevailing influence upon the international world of fashion. Hi s trademarks were his astounding creativity, exceptional command of tailoring, and timeless elegance. ?Philippe Venet has experience and respect for the traditions of haute couture, but distinguishes himself with his use of colors, and his innovative and imaginative tailoring. ?Hubert de Ginvenchy, the aristocrat of haute couture, still inspires the fashion world with his sense of perfection. The Ginvenchy Style was an alliance between pure, classic lines and high

Creative Director at Christie's France, Christiane de Nicolay-Mazery, is the author French Interiors and The Yves Saint Laurent-Pierre Berge Collection: The Sale of the Century published by Flammarion in 2009.? Hubert de Givenchy is one of the world's most celebrated fashion designers.