"The Spanish couturier Cristobal Balenciaga (1895-1972) has become a legendary figure in the history of 20th-century fashion. Based on new archival research in France, Spain and Britain, this book examines Balenciaga's design and business practice, placing him firmly in the context of the time and country in which he learnt his trade and the international fashion scene in which he subsequently matured and triumphed."--BOOK JACKET.