Cristóbal Balenciaga

Biography

(Fashion Designer)

was a Spanish fashion Moghul who established the house of Balenciaga, which is one of the most reverential haute-couture brands till date. Referred to as the ‘couturier’s couturier’, Balenciaga had supreme mastery over each and every process involved in making an ensemble. He was one of the few designers who did not sketch his idea, but started with the fabric itself. He could make patterns, drape and cut cloth, sew and finish a garment by himself. Every collection that he presented had at least one attire which was completely constructed by him. His passion to create perfection was one of the biggest reasons why he was popular not only amongst his crème-de-la-crème clients, but also his contemporaries. In the words of French designers Christian Dior, Balenciaga was ‘the master of us all’ and Coco Chanel referred to him as the only true couturier. What set him apart was his finesse and deep understanding of cloth and tailoring, which helped him imagine and create masterpieces that no one else could even think about.