frfashion1-5, Exercise 2: Dior and Balenciaga

Model answer (check the details):

Publicity: Dior used the press and the shows to build a brand. Each season had a named line and was reported worldwide, and the house presented itself as the leader of fashion. Balenciaga avoided publicity: he reportedly refused to give interviews and limited the press at his shows (check). His reputation rested on the opinion of other designers and a loyal group of clients.

Copying: both houses sold toiles and patterns to foreign manufacturers and stores under licence, as the system allowed. Dior went further in selling the right to copy his models under his own label in the United States and Britain. Balenciaga restricted the press and the buyers in his shows, partly to limit copying (check).

Licensing: Dior was a pioneer of licences for stockings, gloves and perfume, and the house's income came to depend on them. Balenciaga did license a perfume but kept licensing to a smaller scale, and he closed his house in 1968, with little ready-to-wear (check).

As designers: Dior is remembered for the silhouette of an era and for the New Look; Balenciaga for a sculptural cut and technical mastery, and as a designer who inspired other designers.

Care: this is a general comparison. Check each point in a scholarly biography of each house.