THE MASTER OF US ALL: BALENCIAGA, HIS WORKROOMS, HIS WORLD (FARRAR, STRAUS AND GIROUX, 2013) BY MARY BLUME

“Taking its name from Christian Dior’s title for Balenciaga as ‘the master of us all’, Mary Blume’s entertaining biography offers an insight into the private world of Balenciaga and his workrooms. Despite being one of the most respected designers of the 20th century, Balenciaga was seen by many as something of an enigma – famously shy and refusing to court publicity. Blume’s book is compiled from recorded interviews with Florette Chelot, one of Balenciaga’s top vendeuse [saleswoman].”