This book examines the tremendous impact that the artists of the so-called Spanish School had on Cristóbal Balenciaga, the renowned master tailor of the 20th century, during the creative process. 
Balenciaga was the son of a seamstress and was born in the Spanish coastal town of Getaria in 1895. The Marquis and Marquise of Casa Torres, who spent their summers in Getaria, were among the notable families for whom his mother produced apparel. The young designer first became enamored by the clothes made by the most renowned Parisian and London couturiers at their estate, where he also had the opportunity to take in the couple's great collection of artwork.
 
With the use of crisp lines and simple shapes, Balenciaga was noted for his ability to transform vintage clothing into something utterly contemporary, earning him the moniker "the architect of fashion."
Balenciaga enjoyed the hues, volumes, and shapes of the fabrics shown in the works of Velázquez, El Greco, Zurbarán, Goya, Raimundo de Madrazo, and Zuloaga, among others, throughout his career. Even during his most revolutionary phase, he continued to make references to Spanish culture in his writing. The exhibition Balenciaga and Spanish Painting includes a number of priceless pieces of apparel and precious paintings from private collections, the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, and other national museums.