Balenciaga: An Origin Story
Balenciaga was founded over a century ago by Cristobal Balenciaga in San Sebastian, Spain. Although, the brand grew older since, it kept pushing the boundaries and establishing new norms.
Famed for his exquisite craftmanship and innovative designs, Cristóbal Balenciaga was known as ‘The Master’ of haute couture. His bubble skirts and odd, feminine, yet modern silhouettes became the trademarks of the house.
Like most of his contemporaries at that time in history, Cristobel Balenciaga was a self-taught prodigy. There were no fashion schools or education in design or pattern making. Perhaps, that helped him building a world without boundaries.
Balenciaga established his first fashion house in 1917, but the brand really took off in 1937, when Balenciaga was forced to move to France due to the Spanish Civil War. His ideas and impeccable craftsmanship set him apart from the likes of Chanel and Dior in the fashion capital.
Cristobal pioneered with never seen before silhouettes in women’s fashion; from volume filled balloon hems to the shocking ‘sack dress’. Many of his designs were radical, especially in the 50’s, before they filtered into the mainstream popularity.
Even after many successful years, Cristobal closed his couture fashion house in 1968. The designer passed away only four years later at 77 years old. Diana Vreeland (past editor-in-chief at Vogue) said, “Balenciaga gave the world fashion. He was the beginning of everything, everything that is news — forever….. He gave the world fashion. He gave the femmes du monde clothes.”
But in 1986, just under two decades later, the Balenciaga fashion house was reborn (Jacques Bogart SA acquire the rights). Creative Directors Nicolas Ghesquière was one of the pillar who helped rebuild the label in 1997. A lot of his creations are still iconic to this day such as the Patchwork dress or the Motorcycle Lariat bag.
In 2015 Demna Gvasalia was announced as the new Creative Director of Balenciaga, and has become one of the most appraised designer since then. He is heavily credited for helping revive the brand while retaining the artistic integrity of Cristobal’s cuts and shapes.
Today, Balenciaga is thriving again. It is back as one of the most coveted luxury house worldwide and keeps pushing boundaries of fashion.
