The “Balenciaga Shoes from Spain exhibition” exhibition arrives to Milan. It is open for public in Palazzo Morando from the 21 of February to 2 of March. Here there will be showcased the masterpieces from Cristobal Balenciaga

The exhibition

Combining the Spanish museums and private collections enabled the finest pieces to arrive to Milan for the fashion week. This is a project promoted by the Federation of Spanish Footwear Industries, curated by Javier Echeverría Sola and various artisans and artists who created the shoes accompanying Balenciaga’s garments.

The exhibition presents a carefully curated selection of his most spectacular and timeless pieces, displaying them as if worn today, this way giving us a cultural and future vision in a “total look” adaptable to 2025. Mention should be made to the successful communication between the master’s creations and footwear that emphasizes high craftsmanship, the excellence of “handmade” work, and innovation. These values are still marking the industry.

The aim of this exposition, as Blanco said, was to give visibility to the incredible capacity, excellence and competitiveness of the Spanish footwear industry as well as promoting small and big businesses to improve their position internationally.

What could you find in the museum?

The exhibition is formed by three rooms, in which you can observe 25 original pieces and the creations of 25 Spanish shoe brands.

The first room was pink themed. The center piece called “Soir candide. Les robes à la cheville” was a dress made of English white embroidery and a draped upper pink layer.

The second room was darker with deemed light and the garments were protected by a thin darkened fabric. The collection was formed by shoes with flowered details and black embroidered dresses with multiple layers. Bows were also used alongside with the combination of different fabrics.

Walking forward you are presented to a breathtaking wedding dress in ivory silk shantung, embroidered with silver thread and mother-of-pearl sequins; combined with a pair of stiletto in ivory silk satin with sculptural heel encrusted with hand-crafted leaves and flowers in silver alpaca.

Finally, in the last part you are invited to see a video where Balenciaga tells her story of the start of the business in Spain and you can see the sewing machine used.

Shoes

25 shoe brands were present: Alhamas, Alohas, Casteller, Chie Mihara, Creaciones SW, Defloresyfloreros, Flabelus, Gaimo, Hispanitas, Kanna, Lottusse, Magnanni, Magrit, Martinelli, Mascaró, Pedro García, Pedro Miralles, Pertini, Pikolinos, Pitillos, Pons Quintana, Pretty Ballerinas, RAS, Ria Menorca and Zinda.

The most valued Spanish artisans have worked together to bring to life the embroidery, lace, and sculptural heels of the shoes. Among them, Ángeles Espinar, Corina Roselló, Jesús Rosado, and Francisco Carrera ‘Paquili’ have been relevant because of the embroidery; the lace and mantilla embroidery by Encarnita Berrio; and the creation of handmade flowers by Mariana Barturen and her workshop were outstanding. Moreover, the sculptor Teresa de la Pisa has also taken part in this creation.

Who should visit?

Firstly, this is an open to public exhibition and a perfect activity for everyone to do in fashion week, especially if you are in Milan during this eventful dates and are interested in fashion. Furthermore, the entrance is free and does not last long so it may get a little crowded. After paying this museum a visit, you will most likely feel inspired and deepen into the artistic spirit. Therefore, this is the excellent destination for fashion followers looking for inspiration!