Balenciaga Printed Day Dress and Jacket, 1950-60s

This ensemble was made for and worn by Elizabeth Parke Firestone (1897-1990).

Born to a prominent Illinois family and wife of tire magnate Harvey Firestone, Elizabeth Parke Firestone cultivated a fashion sense so refined as to earn her recognition among the “Best Dressed Women in the World.” She travelled extensively, collaborating with the foremost European couturiers on made-to-order versions of runway pieces. A faithful couture client, she corresponded regularly with Dior, and Balenciaga kept a mannequin made to her measurements. Many of her fashions now reside in the collection of the Henry Ford Foundation.

Light blue silk twill short sleeve day dress with white scribbled square print, scoop neckline and wrap style skirt with right side zipper and front waist snap closures; paired with matching cropped wrap front half sleeve jacket with rolled collar, button and snaps closures, a separate blue silk skirt slip, and three self fabric belts, two backed with white leather.
Label: Balenciaga (Jacket only, the dress does not have a label)
Size Label: N/A
Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
JACKET
Shoulders: 14"
Chest: 37"
Waist: 28"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 14.5"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 22"
Belt 1: 28.5" L x 1" W
Belt 2: 29" L x 1" W
Belt 3: 47.75" L x 1" W

DRESS
Shoulders: 14"
Chest: 36"
Waist: 25.5"
Hips: 35"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 39"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 14.25"

SLIP
Waist: 24"
Hips: 33"
Length (side waist band to hem): 24.5"

Property from the Collection of a Midwest University