Couture Pattern Museum Presents: Balenciaga Through the Lens of Tom Kublin

The Couture Pattern Museum, in conjunction with the University Club of Santa Barbara, announces an exclusive cultural event: “Balenciaga Through the Lens of Tom Kublin,” featuring Maria Kublin, daughter of acclaimed fashion photographer Tom Kublin. This special evening, which marks Maria Kublin’s first North American appearance, will take place on Tuesday, November 12, from 5-6 p.m., followed by dinner at the University Club.

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Tom Kublin in 1965, courtesy Maria Kublin. Top: Courtesy Thames & Hudson (left) and Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum, Getaria.

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The event celebrates the release of Maria Kublin’s new book, Balenciaga – Kublin: A Fashion Record (Thames & Hudson). Known as “The Master” of haute couture, Cristóbal Balenciaga was one of the most innovative and influential fashion designers of the last century. His exquisite craftsmanship and pioneering use of fabrics revolutionized the female silhouette and set the tone for modern fashion. The book showcases Balenciaga’s work during the golden age of couture—arguably the most creative period of his career—when he dressed some of the world’s most renowned women and earned reverence from contemporaries like Christian Dior and Coco Chanel.

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1953 and 1955, courtesy Abraham Textile Archive, Swiss National Museum, Zurich.

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Tom Kublin, known for his groundbreaking work in fashion photography during the 1950s and 1960s, captured the essence of Balenciaga couture in over 140 stunning images and film stills. His work has been featured in major exhibitions, including the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion in London; Balenciaga: Spanish Master, curated by Hamish Bowles at the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute in New York; and a blockbuster retrospective at the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum in Spain in 2022.

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From left: 1955, courtesy Abraham Textile Archive, Swiss National Museum, Zurich; and 1957, courtesy Hearst Magazines, U.K.

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During the presentation, Maria Kublin will share insights into her father’s career, including his collaborations with top models like Katinka Bleeker, who is Maria’s mother. The presentation will explore the unique relationship between Kublin and Balenciaga, as well as his work photographing American icons such as Elizabeth Taylor and Lee Radziwill. And the Couture Pattern Museum will be exhibiting a 1960s dress from Balenciaga’s Paris atelier.

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From left: 1958, courtesy Hearst Magazines, U.K.; and 1960, courtesy Abraham Textile Archive, Swiss National Museum, Zurich.

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“This event is very close to our hearts because it speaks to our commitment to preserving the art and craftsmanship of haute couture,” says Couture Pattern Museum founder Cara Austine-Rademaker. “With his incredible skill and dedication, Balenciaga truly set the standard for what couture could be. His influence touched so many, including designers like Hubert de Givenchy, André Courrèges, Emanuel Ungaro, and Ralph Rucci—whose patterns we have curated and preserved in the archives. We’re delighted to bring our community together to celebrate his legacy through the eyes of Tom Kublin, who captured Balenciaga’s vision like no one else.”

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From left: 1961, courtesy Balenciaga Archives Paris; and 1964, courtesy Hearst Magazine Media Inc.

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VIP tickets for this exclusive evening are $350, and they include a sit-down dinner; a signed copy of Balenciaga – Kublin: A Fashion Record; a wine, cheese, and charcuterie reception; and a presentation by Maria Kublin. Limited tickets are available, so reserve today at couturepatternmuseum.com/events or 805-303-4775.

1965, courtesy Private Collection.

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Sponsored by Couture Pattern Museum.