About
Balenciaga is a luxury fashion house originating from Spain, founded in 1919 by Cristóbal Balenciaga in San Sebastián. Initially catering to Spanish royalty and aristocracy, the brand's designs were marked by a strong Spanish Renaissance influence. The Spanish Civil War prompted Balenciaga to relocate his operations to Paris, where he opened a couture house in 1937. His Paris designs quickly gained recognition for their revolutionary silhouettes and innovative approach to women's fashion, creating a distinctly different style from the popular hourglass shape. Balenciaga's expertise lay in haute couture, creating masterful garments known for their sculptural forms and use of high-quality fabrics and intricate embellishments. He developed several iconic silhouettes, including the tunic dress, the chemise dress, the balloon jacket, and the cocoon coat, significantly impacting the fashion world. Balenciaga's house closed in 1968 upon the death of the founder in 1972, remaining dormant until 1986. Since then, under various creative directors, the brand expanded its offerings to include ready-to-wear, footwear, handbags, and accessories, also licensing its name for fragrances. Today, Balenciaga remains a prominent player in the luxury fashion industry, known for its avant-garde designs and global reach, owned by Kering.