Brand history: Balenciaga

1895
Cristobal Balenciaga was born in Getaria in the Basque region of Spain.

1917
Cristobal Balenciaga opens his haute couture House in San Sebastian, Spain.

1937
Opens his fashion House at 10 Avenue George V in Paris. Presentation of his first collection greeted with immediate success by the press and buyers.

1947
Creation of the first Balenciaga perfume: “Le Dix”.

1948
Creates his second perfume: “La Fuite des Heures”.

1951
Creation of the Vareuse and “Cocoon” line.

1952
Launch of his first boxy suits. Creation of the “Parachute” dress.

1953
Waistlines drop to hip level transforming the silhouette.

1955
Creates his first tunic “I”. Launch of his third perfume: “Quadrille”. Collaboration with Robert Goossens on a jewelry line.

1957
His simplified lines continue a fashion revolution.
“Sac” dress, “Cloche et Paon” line.

1958
Creation of the “Baby Doll” dresses and the gazar d’Abraham fabric. He is awarded the Legion of Honor.

1959
Suits are presented with short jackets and higher waistlines. “Amphore” line.

1961
Evening gowns a la Zurbaran, duenna’s dresses and magnificent negligees. Creation of costumes for the play “Orphée” by Jean Cocteau.

1963
Creation of the “Sari” dress. Launches a range of boots presented with his sports
outfits, in collaboration with Mancini.
Collaboration with Roger Vivier for a collection of sandals.

1965
Creation of the “Pétale” dress.

1968
Presents his last collection, and retires
to his house in Spain after 30 years of innovation in the fashion industry.

1972
Death of Cristobal Balenciaga on March 24, 1972, in Javea, Spain. He is buried in his native Basque region.

1997
Nicolas Ghesquière becomes the Creative Director of the House.

2001
Kering acquires Balenciaga House.

2004
Introduction of the Men ready-to-wear and accessories collection.

2006

Balenciaga exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.

2011
“Balenciaga and Spain” exhibition at the De Young Fine Art Museum of San Francisco.
Opening of the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum at Getaria in Spain.

2012
“Cristobal Balenciaga collector of fashions” exhibition at Les Docks Cité de la Mode et du Design Paris.
Alexander Wang is appointed Creative Director of the House.

2015
Demna is appointed Artistic Director of the collections.

2016
Presentation of the first men’s runway show for the SS 2017 collection.

2021
Demna re-launches the Couture collection after 50 years of absence.

2022
Re-opening of the historical Couture store in Paris, avenue George V.