Balenciaga Couture Wool Knit Cape, c.1970s
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
Balenciaga Couture Wool Knit Cape, c.1970s 1970s Numbered "47778" Balenciaga Couture Grey Wool Knit
Balenciaga Couture Wool Knit Cape, c.1970s
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
Balenciaga Couture Wool Knit Cape, c.1970s 1970s Numbered "47778" Balenciaga Couture Grey Wool Knit
Balenciaga Haute Couture Necklace, Provenance Bunny Mellon
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
Extraordinary Balenciaga Bunny Mellon Haute Couture choker necklace. Composed of graduated
Bronze
Balenciaga Haute Couture Printed Silk Dress with Provenance
By Balenciaga
Located in New Hope, PA
Cristobal Balenciaga designed this printed silk dress for Mona von Bismarck, the five times married
Timeless Cristobal Balenciaga Haute Couture Ribbed Silk Suit
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Cristobal Balenciaga Haute Couture Ribbed Silk Suit in an unusual black textile with slight
Balenciaga Haute Couture Red Swing Bolero Jacket, Early 1960s
By Balenciaga
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Balenciaga haute couture early 1960's red silk evening jacket. Cropped swing bolero silhouette
1950s Balenciaga Haute Couture Black Velvet Jewel Toque Hat
By Balenciaga
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Born in Spain in 1895, Cristóbal Balenciaga is renowned as one of the masters of haute couture
Balenciaga Haute Couture Moiré Cocktail Dress, Spring-Summer 1963
By Balenciaga
Located in Geneva, CH
This lovely haute couture watered (moiré) silk taffeta dinner/cocktail dress is the ideal "Little
1960's Cristóbal Balenciaga haute couture black brocade dress and jacket
By Balenciaga
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare jet black floral brocade dress and matching jacket from Cristobal Balenciaga dating to
$30,513
Size: approx. Small
Balenciaga Haute Couture black silk crêpe evening dress with train, fw 1960
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
▪ Balenciaga Haute Couture black silk evening dress ▪ Designed by Cristobal Balenciaga ▪ Fall
1960's EISA BALENCIAGA haute couture vibrant pink silk dress
By Eisa, Balenciaga
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Stunning silk dress designed by Cristobal Balenciaga for Spanish atelier EISA. This dress is a
$2,750
Size: N/A fits a US 0-4
1958 EISA by CRISTOBAL BALENCIAGA haute couture black boucle wool skirt suit
By Balenciaga, Eisa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare, jet-black boucle wool haute couture suit designed by Cristobal Balenciaga for his Eisa
Vintage Balenciaga Crystal Mesh Panel Earrings 1980s
By Balenciaga
Located in Wilmslow, GB
in couture classics. Balenciaga is world renowned for creating avant-garde, advanced structural
Balenciaga Eisa Double Breasted Coat, Collection of Actress Susan Hayward
By Balenciaga, Eisa
Located in New York, NY
Eisa Balenciaga Haute Couture coat. Double breasted black textured wool twill designed by
$9,694
Size: S enquire for exact measurments
Paul Daunay Couture silk and wool dress and coat ensemble, c. 1952-57
By Paul Daunay
Located in London, GB
alongside esteemed masters such as Christian Dior and Cristobal Balenciaga. This haute couture ensemble
Carmen and the Cathedral, Notre Dame, Paris
By Gleb Derujinsky
Located in New York, NY
couture, when Balenciaga and Pierre Balmain were at the top of their game and Yves Saint Laurent and Karl
Archival Pigment
$7,000
H 30 in W 30 in
Gleb Derujinsky 'Balmain's Mermaid, A Night in Paris' Vintage Fashion
By Gleb Derujinsky
Located in New York, NY
European haute couture, when Balenciaga and Pierre Balmain were at the top of their game and Yves Saint
Archival Pigment
Balmain's Mermaid, A Night in Paris
By Gleb Derujinsky
Located in New York, NY
couture, when Balenciaga and Pierre Balmain were at the top of their game and Yves Saint Laurent and Karl
Archival Pigment
Carmen and the Cathedral, Notre Dame, Paris
By Gleb Derujinsky
Located in New York, NY
couture, when Balenciaga and Pierre Balmain were at the top of their game and Yves Saint Laurent and Karl
Archival Pigment
Brigands Hideout, Madrid
By Gleb Derujinsky
Located in New York, NY
Derujinsky's career as a fashion photographer took hold in the golden age of European haute couture, when
Archival Pigment
Angel in Dior, Les Caves at Maxim's
By Gleb Derujinsky
Located in New York, NY
couture, when Balenciaga and Pierre Balmain were at the top of their game and Yves Saint Laurent and Karl
Archival Pigment
The Temple of Dawn II, Bangkok, Thailand
By Gleb Derujinsky
Located in New York, NY
Derujinsky's career as a fashion photographer took hold in the golden age of European haute couture, when
Archival Pigment
Contemplating the Galaxy, Jaipur, India
By Gleb Derujinsky
Located in New York, NY
couture, when Balenciaga and Pierre Balmain were at the top of their game and Yves Saint Laurent and Karl
Archival Pigment
Ruth Neumann, Uppuveli Beach, Sri Lanka
By Gleb Derujinsky
Located in New York, NY
couture, when Balenciaga and Pierre Balmain were at the top of their game and Yves Saint Laurent and Karl
Archival Pigment
Carmen Del'Orefice in Dior
By Gleb Derujinsky
Located in New York, NY
career as a fashion photographer took hold in the golden age of European haute couture, when Balenciaga
Archival Pigment
The Temple of Dawn II, Bangkok, Thailand
By Gleb Derujinsky
Located in New York, NY
couture, when Balenciaga and Pierre Balmain were at the top of their game and Yves Saint Laurent and Karl
Archival Pigment
Ruth Neumann, Kowloon Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
By Gleb Derujinsky
Located in New York, NY
European haute couture, when Balenciaga and Pierre Balmain were at the top of their game and Yves Saint
Archival Pigment
Carmin in Chanel
By Gleb Derujinsky
Located in New York, NY
Derujinsky's career as a fashion photographer took hold in the golden age of European haute couture, when
Archival Pigment
Balmain and Lanvin, Long Stem Roses
By Gleb Derujinsky
Located in New York, NY
couture, when Balenciaga and Pierre Balmain were at the top of their game and Yves Saint Laurent and Karl
Archival Pigment
Vintage Roger Scemama for Balenciaga Couture Brooch
By Roger Scemama
Located in Paris, IDF
A rare and fine Roger Scemama brooch for Balenciaga Couture. Pearls,strass and metal. Made in
Roger Scemama for Balenciaga Couture Necklace
By Balenciaga
Located in Paris, IDF
Sublime fine and rare Roger Scemama necklace Couture for Balenciaga 1950 with crystal Swarvosky
Unavailable
1960's BALENCIAGA Couture silk slip dress
By Balenciaga
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Excellent condition, 1960's BALENCIAGA, haute-couture, purple silk slip dress with floral jacquard
1950s Balenciaga Haute Couture Jewel Pillbox Hat
By Balenciaga
Located in Lugano, Ticino
1950s Balenciaga Haute Couture Jewel Pillbox Hat - 100% Authentic Balenciaga - silver fabric
1960s Balenciaga Black Silk Couture Cocktail Dress
By Balenciaga
Located in Houston, TX
1960s Balenciaga black silk couture cocktail dress. Sleeveless with large ruffle hem. The dress
Balenciaga haute couture black dress, circa 1940
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
This stunning Balenciaga little black dress will make a fantastic addition to a modern wardrobe
Balenciaga haue couture black dress, Spring/Summer 1967
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
This stunning and chic haute couture dress by Balenciaga himself is constructed in fine silk
Balenciaga haute couture black dress, Spring/Summer 1965
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
This stunning and chic haute couture dress by Balenciaga himself, is constructed in fine black
Balenciaga haute couture brown dress, Spring/Summer 1964
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
A stunning piece of haute couture, this Balenciaga cocktail dress is constructed in caramel lace
Balenciaga, Haute couture black & white skirt suit, circa 1965
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
A fantastic example of Balenciaga’s haute couture tailoring, this skirt suit is constructed in
1957 Haute Couture Balenciaga Strapless Black Riechers Marescot Lace Dress
By Balenciaga
Located in Houston, TX
Elegant knee length cocktail dress by Cristobal Balenciaga. This strapless black dress features a
Archival 1958 Balenciaga Haute Couture Orange Duchess Satin Swing Coat Jacket
By Balenciaga
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Stunning Balenciaga haute couture sunkist orange duchess satin swing coat dating back to his 1958
1965 Balenciaga Haute Couture Museum-Held Metallic Pink Gold Beaded Silk Dress
By Balenciaga
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
inches This stunning Balenciaga haute couture client-numbered museum quality dress is in excellent
Unavailable
1970´s Balenciaga Sunglasses 2014
By Balenciaga
Located in Madrid, Spain
Colorful sunglasses made by the haute couture brand Balenciaga in the late 70's in France. The
1960s Balenciaga Necklace in Mother of Pearl, Gold Plate and Brass
By Balenciaga
Located in Auckland, New Zealand
This rare 1960s necklace is a shining example of the master of couture, Cristobal Balenciaga
Gold Plate, Brass
Balenciaga haute couture black dress, circa 1960
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
A beautiful example of Balenciaga's mastery, this couture dress is from his 'Eisa' label, the
Balenciaga Couture Cocktail Hat
By Balenciaga
Located in New Hope, PA
A Balenciaga numbered couture hat is a rare and wonderful thing to find. This very chic and
Beige wool "bouclette" skirt-suit Balenciaga Couture (numbered)
By Balenciaga
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Beige wool bouclette skirt-suit with silk ivory lining and wood buttons. Numbered 65557 SIZE M
Sold
Size: Equivalent to size 38-39 France
A Cristobal Balenciaga Couture, Tailored jacket in sky blue silk Circa 1960
By Balenciaga
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1960. France An iconic tailored jacket in sky blue mottled silk Toile by Cristobal Balenciaga
Balenciaga Eisa couture flecked brown and cream checked tweed suit, C. 1965
By Balenciaga, Eisa
Located in London, GB
A Balenciaga couture flecked brown and cream checked tweed suit, circa 1965, EISA labelled
Balenciaga Haute Couture
By Balenciaga
Located in New Hope, PA
Classic Balenciaga, a black wool two piece dress, is elegant and understated. The design and
Balenciaga Haute Couture Hat
By Balenciaga
Located in New Hope, PA
. It is labelled Balenciaga with the couture numbered tape label underneath. A similar example is in
Balenciaga Haute Couture Cocktail Dress
By Balenciaga
Located in Geneva, CH
Labelled and numbered 94516, this 60's Balenciaga haute couture silk dinner/cocktail dress with
1960's BALENCIAGA haute couture suit
By Balenciaga
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Haute Couture black and brown textured wool and silk suit from Balenciaga dating to the very early
1960s Haute Couture Balenciaga Brown Tweed Skirt Suit
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
This stylish 1960s haute couture brown tweed wool skirt suit by Paris fashion house Balenciaga is a
1960's CRISTOBAL BALENCIAGA haute couture wool tweed cape
By Balenciaga
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare haute couture wood tweed cape from Cristobel Balenciaga dating to the early 1960's
Balenciaga 1963 Haute Couture hot pink silk evening coat
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
Balenciaga 1963 Haute Couture hot pink silk evening coat - EISA label - five button closure
1950s Balenciaga Haute Couture Black Velvet Jewel Toque Hat
By Balenciaga
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Born in Spain in 1895, Cristóbal Balenciaga is renowned as one of the masters of haute couture
1950's Balenciaga Haute Couture Alencon Lace Evening Dress
By Balenciaga
Located in New Hope, PA
A spectacularly elegant figure hugging evening gown designed by the Spanish master Balenciaga is
BALENCIAGA EISA haute couture yellow wool coat
By Balenciaga, Eisa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Vibrant yellow fuzzy wool haute couture coat from Cristobal Balenciaga for his Spanish couture
1960's BALENCIAGA haute couture navy blue wool cape coat
By Balenciaga
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare Balenciaga haute couture cape coat. Ca. 1960. Navy blue wool with gorgeous gilt buttons
1950's BALENCIAGA haute couture black jacket with large buttons
By Balenciaga
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Jet black haute couture wool jacket with decorative buttons from Balenciaga dating to the 1960's
Pink and gold damask lurex dress Balenciaga Haute Couture
By Balenciaga
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pink and gold damask lurex dress. Wrapped in the back and close with 2 buttons . White organza lining. Buttons are covered in the same fabric as the dress. SIZE M
Balenciaga Haute Couture Marin Blue dress suit, circa 1958-1960
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
A fine and rare Balenciaga Haute Couture dress suit, designed under the 'EISA' label, circa 1958
very rare BALENCIAGA / EISA haute couture vivid orange wool coat
By Balenciaga
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare, haute couture coat from Balenciaga's earliest label, EISA. Ca. 1960. The coat is made of
1950's Balenciaga Haute Couture Beaded Black Silk Evening Dress
By Balenciaga
Located in New Hope, PA
Designed by Balenciaga, this black silk organza dress is loosely gathered and pleated for this
Sold
Size: French size 34-36
Evening dress by Cristobal Balenciaga, Haute Couture (attributed to) Circa 1962
By Balenciaga
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1962-1965 Paris Evening dress by Cristobal Balenciaga, Haute Couture (attributed to) in
Balenciaga Haute Couture Black Baby Doll Dress with Nude Pink Silk Bow, FW 1967
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
Balenciaga Haute Couture evening dress exquisitely crafted from bias-cut black marquisette, a fine
1960's EISA / BALENCIAGA haute couture lace dress with sequins and pleats
By Eisa, Balenciaga
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare jet black lace haute couture dress with sequins and blush pleated silk underlay from
Balenciaga Short Evening Dress & Coat
By Balenciaga
Located in New Hope, PA
A rare find from Balenciaga the Spanish Master of Couture, this 1950's short evening dress and
CRISTOBAL BALENCIAGA haute couture suit
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Impeccably made couture suit from Cristobal Balenciaga, circa 1960. Navy blue gabardine. Side zip
1960's BALENCIAGA haute couture metallic chartreuse gown
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare haute couture chartreuse gown from Balenciaga dating to the 1960's. Gorgeous metallic
Sold
Size: Approx. 38 - 40
Haute Couture embellished evening ensemble by Balenciaga's Felisa Irigoyen 1960s
Located in London, GB
Late 1960´s haute couture evening ensemble in yellow, sleeveless dress has a V-neck at the Back and
Sold
Size: Approx. Eu 38
Haute Couture evening cocktail dress by Balenciaga's Felisa Irigoyen, c. 1960s
Located in London, GB
An exquisite, elaborate and one off Haute Couture cocktail dress, circa late 1960s. The dress was
Balenciaga Couture Black Lace and Cream Silk Gown, Circa 1950's
By Balenciaga
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a vintage black lace and cream silk gown by Balenciaga Couture, from the 1950's. The gown
Sold
Size: Equivalent french size 36
A Cristobal Balenciaga Couture Satin Ball Gown Numbered 61819 - Circa 1960
By Balenciaga
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1958/1962 France Majestic evening gown in powdered pink satin by Cristobal Balenciaga Haute
Sold
Size: Equivalent French Size 40/42
A Cristobal Balenciaga Couture Sac Dress in Plaid Taffeta n°55418 Circa 1958
By Balenciaga
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1955/1960 France Historic dress from the Sac or Baby Doll line by Cristobal Balenciaga
1960s Balenciaga Haute Couture Beige Wool Suit
By Balenciaga
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Stunning 60s Balenciaga Haute Couture beige wool suit, unique 4 button pocket detail on jacket
1940s Balenciaga Haute Couture Beaded Evening Jacket
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
This piece made from duchess satin and fully lined in silk chiffon has been entirely hand embroidered with silver braid and unique fan shaped crystals. The condition is acceptable fo...
Balenciaga Haute Couture Numbered Black Silk Organza Jacket
By Balenciaga
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Balenciaga Paris Haute Couture Numbered Black Silk Vintage Jacket This jacket from Balenciaga is
Balenciaga 1961 Haute Couture Cerise wool skirt suit
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
Balenciaga 1961 Haute Couture Cerise wool skirt suit - jacket with three-quarter length sleeves
Balenciaga / EISA Suit Haute Couture, Circa 1958 / 1963
By Balenciaga
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1958/1963 Spain Superb skirt and jacket suit from Cristobal Balenciaga labelled EISA which
Balenciaga Haute Couture baby pink bowler hat, circa 1961
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
Balenciaga Haute Couture baby pink bowler hat, circa 1961. As seen on the cover of Vogue, May 1961.
Rare BALENCIAGA Archival Couture Evening Gown White Black Dress
By Balenciaga
Located in Berlin, BE
This Balenciaga gown, assuming late 1970s, with its celestial proportions and architectural poetry
Balenciaga 1960's Haute Couture Silk Gazar Cocktail Dress
By Balenciaga
Located in New Hope, PA
Balenciaga is completely timeless. The dress has a round neckline, long sleeves with deep ruffles, a dropped
1960's CRISTOBAL BALENCIAGA EISA haute couture black silk capelet
By Balenciaga
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare jet black haute couture silk capelet from Cristobal Balenciaga for Eisa dating to the
1950's BALENCIAGA green tweed boucle haute couture skirt suit
By Balenciaga
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Vibrant green tweed boucle double breasted haute couture suit from Balenciaga dating to the 1950's
John Galliano for Christian Dior Pink Silk Flower Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful blush pink silk dress with green and bright pink flowers by John Galliano for Christian Dior. It has ruched straps forming a front V, the skirt falls in gentle folds to ...
Giorgio Armani 1990s Silver Gunmetal Avant Garde Vintage 90s Silk Blouse Top
By Giorgio Armani
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage GIORGIO ARMANI 90s silver and gunmetal Avant Garde sleeveless shirt! Features luxurious silk, with an excellent draped neckline, and asymmetrical ruffle along the f...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Lace up Top and Skirt
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible 2 piece silk skirt and top set in a pink and yellow flower print from John Galliano for Christian Dior. The top has adjustable functional pink lacing at the center fron...
Versace SS 2005 Madonna Ad Campaign Backless Silk Dress
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous light yellow stretch silk dress as featured in Versace's notable 2005 ad campaign. It has a shirt collar, fold up elbow length sleeves with functional tabs, 2 chest flap p...
1990’s Moschino Vintage Red Leather Heart Bag seen on The Nanny
By Moschino
Located in Concord, NC
Iconic rare Moschino Redwall vintage rare patent leather red heart shoulder bag from 1995 as seen on Fran Dresher from The Nanny. Made in Italy Features bright red leather with gold...
S/S 1999 Dolce & Gabbana Burgundy Red Wet-Look Strappy Runway Cocktail Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Divine wet-look effect dress, crafted from a shiny, red satin material from Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring/ Summer 1999 Collection. Featuring square neck-line, fully adjustable shoul...
Vivienne Westwood Gold Metallic Lace Corset, fw 1993
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Archival Vivienne Westwood Corset ▪ Fall-Winter 1993 ▪ Gold metallic lace ▪ Ivory cotton mesh side panels ▪ Built-in boning ▪ Zip closure at the centre-back ▪ Size: UK10 - US6...
Rare Early Yves Saint Laurent Black Rhinestone Top
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy vintage YSL knit top, with gorgeous rhinestones on each strap. Flattering fit, with incredible construction. In great condition. Approximately Size Small (lots of stretch) M...
$890
Size: please refer to measurements
VERA WANG 90's/00 Tan Evening Gown w. Bustle Maxi Dress Bridal Wedding
By Vera Wang
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Vera Wang 1990's-2000's Vintage Tan / Beige color, neutral tone Train that bustles at the back Size tag missing will measure later, appears to be a 2/4 Great vintage condition, no ri...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Ruffle Hem Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous silk dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior in brightly colored flowers on a navy and burgundy background. The spaghetti strap bodice is semi fitted and adorned on one ...
GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Button Front Dress
By Alexander McQueen, Givenchy
Located in Thiensville, WI
GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Knit Fitted Button Front Dress Circa: 1998 Label(s): Givenchy / Couture / Made In France / Paris / 8HG 8520152830 Desig...
Bob Mackie Orange & Black Beaded Tiger Print with Black Chiffon Gown
By Bob Mackie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an exotic evening gown from Bob Mackie. It is an orange and black long sleeve fitted gown with a tiger print beaded pattern, and a full and flowy chiffon skirt. Fully lined. ...
UNWORN Rare Gucci by Tom Ford SS 1996 Black Lace Mini Dress Gown 38
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning Gucci by Tom Ford lace dress From his SS 1996 collection for Gucci Finest black lace Fully lined with nude silk Made in Italy Dry Clean Only Size 38 Seen in the AD campaig...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN pink LEATHER CROPPED BIKER Jacket 40
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Zürich, CH
Alexander McQueen cropped biker jacket in pale pink textured calf leather. With epaulettes, buttoned notch collar, zipper pocket on the chest, buttoned flap pocket on the front, belt...
1960s Oscar de la Renta Turquoise Blue Silver Silk Brocade Sequin 60s Gown Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful late 1960s Oscar de la Renta turquoise blue and silver silk brocade sequined short sleeve evening gown / maxi dress! Feather prints throughout. Features a tailored bodice w...
$5,062
Size: IT40 - FR36 - UK8 - US4
Vivienne Westwood High-Waisted Velvet Mini Skirt with Sheepskin Hem, fw 1994
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Archival Vivienne Westwood Mini Skirt ▪ Fall-Winter 1994 ▪ Velvet micro mini skirt with high waist ▪ Gilt orb button at side opening with concealed zip closure ▪ Oversized sheepski...
Starting as a modest boutique, Balenciaga evolved to transform the landscape of women’s fashion with shapes and contours during the middle of the 20th century that were nothing less than groundbreaking. Today, the brand is as venturesome as ever and is well known for its shoes, handbags, sneakers, streetwear and other clothing and accessories.
Though he was born in the quiet fishing village of Getaria in Spain’s Basque region, Cristóbal Balenciaga (1895–1972) was destined to reshape modern fashion. As a child, he worked alongside his seamstress mother. Showing immense talent, he earned commissions as a teenager from local patron Marquesa de Casa Torres, who paid for his tailoring education in Madrid. In 1917, he established his first haute couture house — named Eisa, for his mother — in the trendy resort town San Sebastián. He soon followed it with boutiques in Madrid and Barcelona, drawing such clientele as the Spanish royal family.
When the Spanish Civil War put a hold on his prospects in Spain, the designer moved to Paris, opening a house on Avenue Georges V in 1937. There, Balenciaga rubbed elbows with fashion greats like Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli and quickly won over clients like Gloria Guinness, Pauline de Rothschild and Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor.
As a couturier, Balenciaga drew from his Spanish heritage for ideas, riffing on everything from matador costumes and flamenco dresses to the paintings of Diego Velázquez, whose portraits of Spanish princesses famously inspired Balenciaga’s Infanta gown.
An expert tailor, he experimented with sculptural silhouettes that didn’t follow the body. Some of his notable designs include the 1953 balloon jacket, and from 1957, the cocoon coat, the baby-doll dress and the sack dress, which he popularized with his good friend designer Hubert de Givenchy. All of these could be considered not just the masterpieces of haute couture, but also objets d’art in their own right, leading to Balenciaga’s nickname, “The Master.”
Balenciaga continued designing until 1968, when he retired after three decades of influential work and his fashion house went dormant. The rights to Balenciaga were acquired by Jacques Bogart S.A. in 1986. Under designer Michel Goma, who focused on ready-to-wear, the brand experienced a resurgence, with his first collection introduced in 1987.
The brand returned to high fashion with the arrival of designer Josephus Thimister in 1992. It has since been led by a series of creative directors who have paid homage to Balenciaga’s iconic designs, including Nicolas Ghesquière, Alexander Wang and, most recently, Demna Gvasalia. In 2011, a museum celebrating Balenciaga’s legacy opened in his hometown in Spain, commemorating where it all began.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Balenciaga crossbody bags, tote bags, day dresses, shirts and more.