Balenciaga: Luxury Fashion Brand Of Spain

Oct 13, 2022

By Vibe Fabriclore

Who doesn't remember Cardi B's smash song "I Like It," in which she casually mentions the sock-like Balenciagas? I certainly do, as does the vast majority of Generation Z. Balenciaga, which was created in 1937 by Cristóbal Balenciaga, revolutionizes the notion of beauty in the fashion world and questions the essential core of traditional fashion. From its origins as a pioneer of haute couture to its present standing as a mainstay of stylish street style, this business has seen several transformations.

Cristóbal Balenciaga, a Spanish fashion designer, founded the prestigious Balenciaga label in 1919. Although it was established in San Sebastian, Spain, the French conglomerate Kering bought the luxury fashion brand in the end. The success of Balenciaga has always been rooted in the house's history and illustrious past. Company management is based out of Paris, France.

Cristóbal Balenciaga

Cristóbal Balenciaga was a Spanish designer and the founder of his own fashion house. Having been born in Getaria, Gipuzkoa, Spain on January 21, 1895, he was a Basque nationalist. His mother was a seamstress and he grew up without his father. Cristóbal often saw his mother at work throughout his childhood.

As early as the age of 12, Cristóbal started his career as an apprentice tailor. As a child, his mother sent him to a tailoring school in Madrid at her insistence.

As early as 1919, Cristóbal Balenciaga had a boutique in San Sebastian. Given the overwhelming response, he decided to open up other locations in Madrid and Barcelona. Even the Spanish royal aristocracy wore his creations.

Cristóbal was compelled to close his businesses when Spain's civil war broke out. He moved to France and opened a couture shop in Paris in 1937.

He then decided to shut down the industry's leading fashion house after 30 fruitful years at the helm. He declared his retirement from the fashion business and shut down his stores in Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris.

Balenciaga's Creations

Cristóbal was an early innovator of 1960s fashion with his bold experiments in style. He used elaborate techniques and eye-catching components. His signature style included bracelet sleeves and a collar kept far away from the collarbone, giving him a swan-like aspect.

He launched a whole new collection of kimono-inspired clothing, including slinky, high-waisted skirts and tailored jackets. His second outstanding creation was the wedding gown worn by Queen Fabiola of Belgium. It was made of ivory duchess satin and included white mink detailing at the neck and hips.

Balenciaga Store Reopens

Jacques Bogart S.A. acquired the Balenciaga license in 1986 and used it to launch a new ready-to-wear line called Le Dix. Michel Goma is responsible for this assortment. In 1992, Dutch designer Josephus Thimister took over for Michal Goma. Thimister was the catalyst that propelled the company to the forefront of the fashion industry.

For the Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, in 1992, they designed the uniforms for the French squad. Initially a senior designer, Nicolas Ghesquiere was elevated to the role of creative director and then a chief designer.

The Time Now

The company stated Nicolas Ghesquiere, the brand's creative director for the last 15 years, would be leaving in November 2012. The position of creative director has been filled by Alexander Wang. After three years, Alexander Wang also decided to leave his position at Balenciaga. In October 2015, Demna Gvasalia took the helm as the company's creative director.

Balenciaga is among the most illustrious and revered names in the fashion industry. It was an inspiration for many following fabric manufacturers.

FAQ

Is Balenciaga a Spanish brand?

Yes, it is a Spanish brand. In 1918, Cristóbal Balenciaga launched his first store in San Sebastián, Spain, which grew to include outlets in Madrid and Barcelona.