The Master of Us All: Balenciaga, His Workrooms, His World

“Take my word for it: Buy it, read it, and love it!”

It seems impossible that in the world of fashion there was only one designer above all others considered the “master” of all who followed. Indeed, Cristobal Balenciaga was The Master of Us All, and Mary Blume has delivered one of the best biographies written about any personality in fashion.

The Master of Us All is as much a series of short stories as it is a biography. Ms. Blume compiles literally years’ worth of interviews with the few intimates who survive one of the greatest international fashion designers that ever lived. Cheifly she spoke to colleagues Hubert de Givenchy, mentored by Balenciaga and also a friend for many years; and Florette, a vendeuse at the salon of Balenciaga for decades and the primary source of most of the information.

Insights into his personality, his life, his work ethic, and his art are skillfully doled out without ever imparting the tone of a lecture. There is some sort of great warmth that radiates from the biography as apparently everyone one whose life that his man touched was always left with the same feelings of awe and respect, as well as the knowledge that a unique talent, if not a genius, had been part of their lives.

The reader feels as if he is sitting in on some of the most wonderful conversations imaginable—all centered around the inimitable Cristobal Balenciaga. In this way the reader is afforded an insider’s view of a man who was intensely private and who was more than married to his art. Few know the legions of people who worked in his ateliers/factories; he employed hundreds of people who were responsible for the productions of thousands of pieces of made to measure haute couture. It is often forgotten that Balenciaga was not in the ready to wear business.

Without going on and on, I would urge everyone who has an interest in fashion on any level to read this book. Ms. Blume will also stimulate the reader interested in Monsieur Balenciaga’s way of life, his circle of friends, and his rarefied client list that included some of the richest women in the world.

Take my word for it: Buy it, read it, and love it!