THE MASTER OF US ALL

The shift, the babydoll, the tunic ... many of the dress shapes that grace our wardrobes today have their origins in the creativity of Spanish couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga, whose influence on fashion and its innovative designs are being examined in the ‘Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion’ exhibition. The Victoria and Albert Museum also enlisted x-ray imaging artist Nick Veasey to uncover the inner workings of Balenciaga’s gowns, while works by photographers Richard Avedon and Hiro, who shot Balenciaga’s revolutionary creations for BAZAAR, are also on view. Until February 18, 2018, at Victoria and Albert Museum, London. www.vam.ac.uk

An exhibition highlight: Look 37 of Oscar de la Renta Spring/ Summer ’15 Cristóbal Balenciaga at work, Paris 1968 Elise Daniels in a suit by Balenciaga, at Le Marais, Paris, with street performers, photographed by Richard Avedon in August 1948 The balloon hem, a Balenciaga signature