Balenciaga is one of the most influential fashion houses in the world, with a long history of innovation, art and luxury. The brand was founded by Cristóbal Balenciaga in 1919 in San Sebastián, Spain. Balenciaga was recognized as a master of tailoring and quickly earned a reputation as a "designer's designer", i.e. one who inspires other fashion designers.
The Beginnings and the Rise
Cristóbal Balenciaga became interested in fashion at a young age and after his studies he opened his first boutique in San Sebastián, which he later expanded to Madrid and Barcelona. These boutiques offered high quality clothing to the Spanish aristocracy. At the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, Balenciaga moved to Paris, where he opened his haute couture house in 1937. It was here that he really began to shape the style that has become Balenciaga's trademark: innovative cut lines, silhouettes that differ from the shape of the body and forward-thinking design.
Innovations and Significant Collections
Cristóbal Balenciaga's work was characterized by many revolutionary designs, including the "bubble skirt", the "tunic dress" and the "baby doll" dress. In the 1950s and 60s, the fashion house launched many memorable collections that changed the fashion of the time and showed new directions in clothing design.
Rediscovering the Brand
After the death of Cristóbal Balenciaga in 1972, the brand was less visible in the fashion mainstream for a few decades. However, it was revived in the late 90s when Nicolas Ghesquière took over as creative director. Ghesquière gave a modern interpretation to Balenciaga's legacy while maintaining the brand's innovative and forward-thinking character. Since 2015, Demna Gvasalia has been the creative director, who has also carried on Balenciaga's traditions with a fresh approach and bold, provocative design.
Balenciaga in the 21st Century
Today, Balenciaga is one of the most defining and talked-about fashion houses in the world, redefining the concept of luxury with its luxury streetwear collections and bold campaigns. The brand successfully combines high fashion with pop culture and constantly challenges traditional fashion industry norms. Innovation, an artistic approach and a commitment to luxury continue to be the essence of Balenciaga, as dreamed by founder Cristóbal Balenciaga more than a century ago.