May 19, 2017
Rachel L. Mellon Collection at Cristobal Balenciaga Museum
The exhibition showcases the personal collection of one of Balenciaga’s best friends and customers
“One of the special
joys of my life was knowing Cristóbal Balenciaga. He was a dear friend”
These are the kind words that Rachel L. Mellon (1910-2014),
better known as Bunny, dedicated to her longtime friend and designer Cristobal
Balenciaga. Mellon was one of the grand dames of high society in 20th century
America, heiress to a major fortune, philanthropist, art collector and garden
designer. Her personal collection consisted of hundreds of garments from the
designer. And many of them are showcased for the first time in this exhibition.
From 27th May to 25th January, the exhibition will occupy al the exhibition halls of the museum,
showcasing 90 garments and other collector pieces such as original sketches, accessories
and photographs. Most of the objects displayed are part of the museum’s archive
and come from Bunny’s last legacy of 400 pieces. Some of the garments also come
from others institutions like the Victoria & Albert Museum or Balenciaga’s
Archives in Paris.
The Rachel L. Mellon
Collection exhibition, under the direction of Hubert de Givenchy and with the
collaboration of Eloy Martínez de la Pera and Igor Uria as associate curators,
presents to the public a careful selection of garments and documents that
offers a different perspective of Balenciaga’s Haute Couture, through the
personal filter of this extraordinary lady’s taste and way of life.
More information at: http://www.cristobalbalenciagamuseoa.com/en/explore/exhibitions/rachel-l-mellon-collection-.html