Two of the twentieth-century’s greatest couturiers were born today, January 21. In 1895, Cristobal Balenciaga was born in Getaria, Spain. Ten years later, Christian Dior was born in Granville, Normandy, France. In addition to sharing a birthday, Balenciaga and Dior were both masters of their craft, creating extraordinary garments and influencing generations of designers. In celebration of their respective birthdays, careers and legacy, we’re sharing previously unseen images of each designer’s work.

Cristobal Balenciaga
1958

Silk matelassé
Transfer from the Museum at FIT
2004.291.10

To see other Cristobal Balenciaga pieces from our collection, click here.

Christian Dior
c. 1955
Silk satin
Gift of Mary Coquillard
97.196.1

To see other Christian Dior pieces in the FIDM Museum collection, click here.