BALENCIAGA - THE STORY BEHIND THE STYLE

“A Couturier must be an Architect for design, a sculptor for shape, a painter for color, a musician for harmony, and a philosopher for temperance.”

-Cristóbal Balenciaga

Balenciaga has shaped modern fashion through radical departures from established design principles. The house, recognized today for its innovative silhouettes and conceptual presentations, originated in the late 1910s in a small Spanish town. Cristóbal Balenciaga, a self-taught designer and seamstress, founded his house at age 22, establishing the foundation for an approach to clothing that would redefine contemporary dress. The house has evolved through successive creative directors, each bringing distinct perspectives while maintaining the brand's core vision across more than a century. The 1950s marked a transformative period for the house. While the fashion world embraced fitted silhouettes and hourglass forms, Cristóbal pursued an entirely different vision. He created loose-fitting dresses and designs that eliminated traditional waist emphasis, fundamentally altering how women's clothing was conceived and constructed.

Look 1: 1950 Cocoon Line         Look 2: 1951 Vareuse Line

The Demna Era

In 2015, Demna Gvasalia assumed creative direction of Balenciaga. He reinvigorated the house through bold design decisions while honoring Cristóbal's foundational vision. His tenure introduced oversized ready-to-wear pieces, from voluminous tailored jackets to the house's signature sneakers and the Balenciaga Alaska Boots. Gvasalia's runway presentations transported audiences to EU parliaments to mud pits while his designs became fixtures on international red carpets.

Look 1: Spring/Summer 2023 RTW     Look 2: Spring/Summer 2020 RTW

The Pierpaolo Chapter

Italian designer Pierpaolo Piccioli's recent appointment as creative director introduces a new perspective to Balenciaga's continuing evolution. With 25 years of experience at Valentino, Piccioli has broadened Couture garments, bringing life into innovative textiles and shapes. He has established expertise in fabric manipulation, silhouette development, and artisanal craftsmanship and will guide the house's next chapter.

Look 1: Valentino Fall/Winter 2020 Couture    Look 2: Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2022 Couture