History of Balenciaga
Balenciaga was founded in 1919 by Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga in San Sebastián, Spain. Known for his mastery of tailoring and innovative designs, Balenciaga quickly gained a reputation as a leading figure in haute couture. The brand moved to Paris in 1937 due to the Spanish Civil War, where it became famous for its sculptural silhouettes, voluminous designs, and groundbreaking cuts, such as the sack dress and cocoon coat. Throughout the mid-20th century, Balenciaga set new standards in fashion, influencing designers like Hubert de Givenchy and Christian Dior.
After Cristóbal Balenciaga closed his fashion house in 1968, the brand remained dormant for years until its revival in the late 1980s. Under various creative directors, Balenciaga evolved into a modern luxury brand, blending avant-garde aesthetics with streetwear influences. Demna Gvasalia, appointed creative director in 2015, transformed Balenciaga into a cultural phenomenon with oversized silhouettes, bold branding, and viral marketing campaigns. Today, Balenciaga is one of the most influential fashion houses, known for pushing boundaries in both luxury and contemporary fashion.