balenciaga

The House of Balenciaga, one of fashion’s most important brands, has been part of the Kering group. Founded in Spain by Cristobal Balenciaga, the House was established permanently in Paris in 1937.

Between the 30’s and the 60’s it was at the forefront of the most exciting fashion trends of the era. Christian Dior considered Cristobal Balenciaga to be the ‘Tailor of Tailors’ and ‘Our absolute Maestro’.

Radical, as he always was with his creations, Cristobal Balenciaga decided to close his haute couture business in 1968 leaving his customers bereft. They had had the sensation of being part of a privileged club which tied them to the House forever, so much so that following this event the Countess Mona Bismarck went into mourning and shut herself away in her house for three days.

In 1997 the House of Balenciaga broke back into the world of fashion and Nicolas Ghesquière was named Artistic Director.

Today, the House of Balenciaga creates ready to wear collections and accessories for men and women which are sold all over the world. Being extremely selective in its choice of distribution and always showing respect to the DNA of the House and the spirit of Cristobal Balenciaga, the brand has developed in a way that conserves its radical but meticulous image in every one of its boutiques.

In 2012 the Maison named Alexander Wang as the new Art Director.

With the creation of the two new perfumes, Balenciaga Paris and Florabotanica, Balenciaga is going back to its glorious past in the world of perfumery (Dix 1946, Quadrille 1948, La Fruite des Heures 1955).