Balenciaga

Founded in 1919 by Spanish visionary Cristóbal Balenciaga, the luxury fashion empire of Balenciaga SA has its roots in San Sebastian, Spain. Today, with its headquarters in the heart of Paris, Balenciaga stands as a symbol of opulence and innovation. The brand's portfolio includes high-end footwear, handbags, and accessories. Additionally, Coty licenses its esteemed name for fragrances. French giant Kering currently oversees its operations.

Historical Milestones

• 1919: Cristóbal Balenciaga established his maiden boutique in San Sebastián, Spain. Soon after, he extended his reach to major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, clothing Spain's elites.
• 1930s: The Spanish Civil War prompted Balenciaga's shift to Paris, where he opened a couture house in 1937. His designs, reflecting the Spanish Renaissance, took the fashion world by storm.
• World War II Era: Despite the hardships of the era, Balenciaga's designs flourished. He was renowned for his iconic "square coat" and audacious combinations like black lace on vibrant pink. Ties to General Francisco Franco, Hitler's ally, allowed his business to persevere during the war.
• Post-war Era: Breaking away from prevalent trends, Balenciaga introduced more fluid designs, reshaping women's fashion. His works, like the tunic dress and the Empire line, were celebrated for their innovative silhouettes.
• 1960s: The brand became synonymous with luxurious fabrics, meticulous embroidery, and standout materials. Esteemed clients included Queen Fabiola of Belgium and Jackie Kennedy.Tidbit: Balenciaga's influence stretched far and wide, with renowned designers like Oscar de la Renta and Hubert de Givenchy counting themselves as protégés.
• The Press Controversy: In a bold move in 1957, Balenciaga decided to display his collection just a day before retail delivery to curb design piracy. This led to friction with the media but solidified his reputation as a trailblazer.Tidbit: Despite his impact on haute couture, Balenciaga never officially joined the Chambre syndicale de la haute couture parisienne.

Revival and Modern Era

• 1980s-2000s: The Balenciaga brand found a fresh lease of life in the late 20th century, driven by talents like Nicolas Ghesquière. From controversies like Ghesquière's imitation of designer Kaisik Wong to celebrities like Jennifer Connelly donning Balenciaga on global stages, the brand made headlines.
• 2010s: The brand saw multiple leadership changes with directors like Alexander Wang and Demna Gvasalia. Balenciaga continued to influence fashion, from exhibitions celebrating Cristóbal Balenciaga's legacy to new collection launches.
• 2020s: Balenciaga embraced the digital era by accepting crypto payments and faced controversies, including its association with Kanye West. The brand also expressed solidarity with Ukraine during the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

Throughout its storied history, Balenciaga has faced controversies, embraced change, and, most importantly, continually redefined the boundaries of fashion. Today, it remains a beacon for those looking for the perfect blend of tradition and innovation in the world of luxury fashion.