This is yet another series chronicling the life and career of one of the great haute couture designers. Although his maison grew to prominence in Paris, he was actually Spanish. In a trite narrative device, he reflects back on several decades via an interview with a journalist. The challenges to his life and career not only include the Nazi occupation, but his competition with other designers. His biggest obstacle was his own obsession and control, which put him in constant conflict with his backers and the market. Alberto San Juan takes on the title role with a deep, nuanced performance. The rest of the cast is equally strong. There are numerous glimpses into his beautiful designs and the concepts that made him so exceptional. His relationships with Chanel and Givenchy are explored, but he remained conflicted by his own internal homophobia. The series manages to paint a compelling picture of Balenciaga, while adding sufficient history, fashion and drama to keep in interesting. (In Spanish and French with subtitles) 
(3.5 / 5)
