A fine and important Balenciaga couture ivory slubbed silk gazar bridal gown and veil, Spring-Summer collection, 1968, the dress un-labelled, the veil with Eisa label, of Abraham silk, the short sleeves cut in one piece with the yoke, the front panel formed from joined triangles of gazar - their points converging at the centre front neck opening, the back panel cut in one piece with curved hem; the matching short, curved veil adorned with satin orange blossom to the crown, bust approx 86cm, 34in (2) This important dress is one of Balenciaga's last creations at the end of his career. It was made for Almudena Elorza Losada for her marriage to Enrique Guzman Bergareche, June 3rd, 1968. It shows Balenciaga at the height of his creative powers, where he takes the traditional flowing white bridal gown and condenses its essence into this stark, minimal almost sculptural garment. Literature: A similar gown and veil is photographed in 'Hommage a Balenciaga', Musée Historique des Tissus de Lyon, p97. 'Balenciaga & Spain' by Hamish Bowles p124 for a photograph of an identical dress and veil. 'Balenciaga' by the Cristobal Balenciaga museum pp327-8, for another variation of this model, 1968. 'Balenciaga Paris' edited by Pamela Golbin p147 for a 1967 archive image of a similar dress. Exhibited: Hubert de Givenchy exhibition of 'Unforgettable Wedding Gowns' at the Chateau de Haroue, May-August 2012 and the Palacio Cadaval, Evora, Portugal, June-September 2015. 'Balenciaga and Spain' at the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, May-July 2011. 'Balenciaga. El diseño del límite' at the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, May-September 2010.

• Dress: good condition overall, perspiration rings at underarms which are not visible when the dress is displayed on a mannequin. Generally clean, fresh appearance. Slight soiling front hem edge and soiling to underside of trained skirt. • Veil: fresh, clean, good condition, no problems, flowers are good