The Myrtle Detail In AHS: Coven That Has Fans Scratching Their Heads
"American Horror Story: Coven" is one of the most beloved entries in the "AHS" franchise. Fans gagged over the introduction of Kathy Bates and Angela Bassett, the glamour of Jessica Lange's Fiona Goode, and the lush New Orleans setting. However, another fan favorite character, Myrtle Snow (Frances Conroy), didn't always connect with some members of the audience. More specifically, some fans did not know what to make of her famous final line, "BALENCIAGA!!"
Myrtle is (hopefully) the only woman to be burned at the stake twice. Falsely accused of blinding Cordelia Foxx (Sarah Paulson), Myrtle was burned the first time for allegedly attacking a fellow witch. Myrtle was resurrected by Misty Day (Lily Rabe), helped save the coven, attacked her fellow council members, then demanded to be burned again. Her last words ("Balenciaga!") weren't understood by some members of the viewing audience. In a post unpacking Myrtle's final line, one redditor said, "idk, i think she likes fashion. i honestly don't get half of what myrtle says." Another poster complained that all Myrtle did was shout incomprehensible bon mots after being resurrected. But for those that understand the history of haute couture, Myrtle's final line makes perfect sense.
Myrtle screamed "Balenciaga!" out of appreciation
Cristóbal Balenciaga was one of the greatest couturiers of all time. Christian Dior famously called Balenciaga "the master of us all," meaning the Supreme fashion designer of his era. Dior's quote is even the title of a biography of Balenciaga. According to Vogue, Balenciaga invented many clothing items that are still with us today: "the sack dress, the bracelet sleeve, the pillbox hat."
Balenciaga started his fashion house in 1917 in Spain (per the Victoria and Albert Museum), but he relocated to France during the Spanish Civil War. He was known as a master tailor, who customized every piece to flatter his client. He understood fabric better than any other designer at the time, going so far as to say it was the fabric that decided what the garment would be. When Myrtle cited the designer as her last words, she was aligning herself with the great couturier's attention to detail, as well as his dedication to the craft.
Myrtle was always diligent in her role as the Head of the Witches Council, and often criticized Fiona for her lack of dedication. Myrtle loved Balenciaga not only because she loved fashion, but because he had the same dedication to his craft as Myrtle herself. It only makes sense that her final line of dialogue would be a fashion pioneer like Balenciaga.