Cristobal Balenciaga (French, founded 1949), Evening dress, 1951-52. Black silk jersey, silk faille, and sequin and jet beaded lace. Gift of Noma Copley. 84.114.5. The Museum at FIT 2012 © The Museum at FIT.

According to the philosopher Gilles Lipovetsky, women of the 1950s "aspired to be supreme embodiments of luxurious elegance and refined chic." Certainly Balenciaga was a master of this look. Here, he balances the weight of this fully beaded skirt with a delicate silk jersey top, creating a graceful,