A sparkling life of the monumental fashion designer Cristobal Balenciaga

One of the most innovative and admired figures in the history of haute couture, Cristobal Balenciaga was, said Christian Dior, "the master of us all."

Despite his extraordinary impact, Balenciaga was a man hidden from view. He saw to it that little was known about him, to the point that some French journalists wondered if he existed at all. Even his most devoted clients--Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, a clutch of Rothschilds--never met him.

But one woman knew Balenciaga very well indeed....