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.
BALENCIAGA red white wool 2018 CRISTOBAL GINGHAM BOW Coat Jacket 36 XS
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balenciaga by Demna Gvasalia Cristobal coat in red and white gingham woven from 62% wool and 38% nylon, delivering a graphic, tactile check with a refined textural han...
Beige wool jacket with check pattern BALENCIAGA
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Beige wool jacket with check pattern . Same fabric as lining. Jewellery button on the front with hidden fabric button and buttonhole closure underneath. Raglan sleeve. Half-belt on ...
Balenciaga 2010s Little Black Dress in Silk Plisse with Stunning Draped Back
By Balenciaga
Located in San Francisco, CA
Balenciaga 2010s little black dress with cap sleeves and a shape that is a fresh, modern, more tailored take on Cristobal Balenziaga's iconic sack dress. Beautiful detail at back whe...
2012 Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga Grey Leather Motorcycle Jacket
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
This leather motorcycle jacket was designed by Balenciaga in 2012 whilst Nicolas Ghesquière was creative director of the French fashion House. During his tenure, the fabled French br...
BALENCIAGA black acetate 2024 PANTHER MASK SHIELD Sunglasses BB0299S
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Balenciaga Panther Mask Shield sunglasses in black make a bold statement with their futuristic, fashion-forward design. Featuring a sleek wraparound shield silhou...
BALENCIAGA black nude HOURGLASS XS LACE Top Handle Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balenciaga Hourglass XS bag in nude leather with an all-over black floral and logo-embroidered lace overlay. This iconic lux...
1997 Balenciaga Sz 0 XS Black Dress Vintage Thimister Final Runway Collection
By Josephus Thimister, Balenciaga
Located in San Diego, CA
Approximately Size 0 / XS Extra Small Measurements: 16 inches from underarm to underarm (strapless) 24 inch waist 40 inch hips 48 inches in length The gown did not zip up on the mo...
Forest green evening bag BALENCIAGA
By Balenciaga
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Forest green evening bag. Leather lining. Detachable chain with snap. Snap closure under the flap. One inside pocket with zip closure + 8 credit card...
Balenciaga Blue Grey Large Raffia Basket Tote Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Paris, FR
Balenciaga Blue grey “Large” raffia basket tote bag featuring black calfskin leather trim, handles and shoulder handles, interior two flat pockets and one exterior zip pocket. Circa ...
Balenciaga Gray Polka Dot Silk Dress with Deep-V Neckline
By Balenciaga
Located in Sparks, NV
Simple and chic gray polka dot silk dress by Balenciaga. Deep-V neckline and empire waist that ties in back. Details: Unlined Marked Size: 36 Estimated Size: Small Color: Gray Fabr...
Black satin jacket with black leather sleeve edge BALENCIAGA
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black satin jacket with black leather sleeve edge. Silk jacket. Shoulder pad. Pocket on both side. SIZE 38 (Fr) M
Balenciaga Crush Tote Handbag With New York Charms M New With Tags
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
100% authentic Balenciaga Crush tote dirty arena Lambskin with New York charms Black color but listed as "dirty arena" since leather has that look made on purpose by balenciaga Size...
Balenciaga Vintage City Red Handle Bag with Silver Hardware
By Balenciaga
Located in Capri, IT
Balenciaga City red handle bag measurements: 44 cm, 26 * 18 cm silver hardware
Balenciaga Nicolas Ghesquière Spring 2008 Pink Metallic Dress Sex and the City
By Balenciaga
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière Spring Summer 2008 Pink Metallic Jacquard Mini Dress Sex and the City A rare Balenciaga mini dress from the Spring/Summer 2008 collection by Nicolas...
Navy blue wool double breasted coat BALENCIAGA by Nicolas Ghesquière
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Navy blue wool double breasted coat ; Rayon and acetate lining. Belt in the same fabric and belt-loop. Button and buttonhole closure on the front . Pocket on both side with button an...
Antracite grey shiny coat BALENCIAGA by Nicolas Ghesquière
By Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquière
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Antracite grey shiny coat. Fabric composition: 73% polyester, 27% polyamide. Silk lining. Button and buttonhole closure on the front. Fabric inset with gather on the back of the wais...
Balenciaga Panther Mask Sunglasses in Black Polyamide
By Balenciaga
Located in Houston, TX
The Balenciaga Panther Mask Sunglasses in Black Polyamide are a fierce fusion of bold design and luxurious craftsmanship. These sunglasses feature a striking mask design, crafted fro...
BALENCIAGA black Arena leather CAGOLE 70 Mule Sandals Shoes 38 fit 39
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balenciaga Cagole 70 mules in black Arena lambskin featuring aged-silver studs and buckles on the upper. Have been worn once or twice ...
BALENCIAGA black mesh & rubber TRACK Sneakers Shoes 38
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Balenciaga Track sneakers are crafted from black recycled mesh and feature interwoven rubber accents for a bold, dynamic...
Balenciaga Metallic Silver Heels, Circa 1960s
By Balenciaga
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful & rare Balenciaga silver leather slingback kitten heels. Cut-out vamp with a decorative button at the center. Handmade leather. ★ An amazing piece of fashion history! C...
BALENCIAGA black leather STRAPPY Sandals Shoes 38
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balenciaga sandals in black smooth calfskin with metal buckle closure on the side. Have been worn once inside and are in virtually new condition. Come with dust bag. ...
$303Sale Price|55% Off
Balenciaga Triple S Clear Sole Sneakers Fuchsia Pink 36
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
Super rare, Balenciaga Triple S clear sole sneakers in Fuchsia colourway. Worn twice. Come with dustbag. Made from bright pink leather and mesh, they have signature super chunky desi...
Balenciaga dress by Nicolas Ghesquière circa 2000
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
BALENCIAGA - Ready-to-wear collection circa 2000 under the artistic direction of Nicolas Ghesquière. Long, flowing train dress in black silk crepe with a sheer front. Size indicate...
$1,536Sale Price|35% Off
Balenciaga PF17 Grey Patent Leather Shearling Biker Jacket
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
Amazing, beyond cool Balenciaga shearling biker jacket from the Pre-Fall 2017 Collection. Bought for £4500 and worn once. Made from crinkled gre...
$320Sale Price|40% Off
Balenciaga Triple S Trainers Sneakers Turquoise Grey
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
Super rare, Balenciaga Triple S sneakers in Turquoise Grey colourway. Worn once. Come with dustbag. Made from turquoise, pearl grey and white leather and mesh, they have signature su...
BALENCIAGA black polyester 2018 FANCY ASYMMETRIC PLEATED Skirt 36 XS
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Balenciaga Fancy pleated skirt is crafted from black polyester (100%) and features a flared silhouette with a below-the-knee length and an asymmetric raw hem. The...
new 2003 Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga tan leather runway sandals - 37
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Spring 2003 Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière untreated leather sandals with multiple buckle straps and a heavy stacked wood heel. Made from raw tan leather that develops wear and pat...
Balenciaga XS Le Cagole Shoulder Bag in Blue Lambskin Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in Houston, TX
Step up your style game with the Isabel Marant Mossa Studded Cut-Out Ankle Boots in Brown Suede. These eye-catching boots feature a bold cut-out design, adorned with sleek stud detai...
Balenciaga x Nicolas Ghesquiere Fall 2007 Velvet Jacket
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
Stunning ‘21st Century iconic’ Balenciaga jacket from Nicolas Ghesquière’s legendary Fall 2007 collection. Made from dense black cotton velvet with satin lapels and gold thread embro...
Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière S/S 2003 Blue Silk Knit Pocket Top
By Balenciaga
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Archival Balenciaga top from the Spring/Summer 2003 collection designed by Nicolas Ghesquière. Crafted from an ultra-lightweight sheer silk knit in an electric royal blue, this piece...
Balenciaga Black Arena Lambskin Mini Le City Tote Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Balenciaga Black Arena Lambskin Mini Le City Tote Bag SKU: 158970 MSRP: 1890.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Few houses command fashion's attention...
Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière S/S 2006 Runway 'Devils In Balenciaga' Tank Top
By Balenciaga
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Rare runway edition featuring the highly sought-after 3D embellished crest centerpiece — distinct from the standard commercial printed release. Crafted in black cotton with intricate...
Balenciaga Baskets Triple S EU37 White Leather Green Clear Sole Sneakers UK4 US6
By Balenciaga
Located in PARIS, FR
Balenciaga Triple S Clear Sole sneakers in technical canvas and white leather, embroidered logo on the side, embroidered size on the front, closed with laces on 6 holes (fabric eyele...
BALENCIAGA 2008 Runway smooth black leather horn cone heel platform boots EU37.5
By Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquière
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA 2008 Runway smooth black leather horn cone heel platform boots EU37.5 Reference: ASMK/A00039 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Nicolas Ghesquiere Collection: 2008 - Runway Mater...
Balenciaga Bleu Obscur Agneau Silver Hardware Velo Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Balenciaga Bleu Obscur Agneau Silver Hardware Velo Bag SKU: 157019 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Few houses command fashion's attention quite like Balen...
Wool pin-striped blazer with velvet details BALENCIAGA by N Ghesquière
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Wool pin-striped blazer with velvet details. Hidden zip closure on the middle front. Button and buttonhole on the front as well ( the jacket waist is smaller when the button are atta...
2021 BALENCIAGA Demna Gvasali Deconstructed Tweed & Denim Mid Length Skirt
By Balenciaga
Located in Sheffield, GB
A BALENCIAGA 2021 tweed and denim deconstructed skirt by Demna Gvasalia. Featuring a Houndstooth tweed front and short Denim back. The skirt has pockets at the hips and closes via a ...
Balenciaga Le City Moto Bag Medium in Navy Suede & Shearling w/ Strap & Mirror
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
BALENCIAGA LE CITY MOTO BAG MEDIUM SIZE IN NAVY SUEDE AND SHEARLING W/ STRAP AND MIRROR Balenciaga Classic Le City bag in dark navy suede and shearling fur Medium size. It features...
Balenciaga X Adidas Ensemble Top Veste FR38 Oversizer Jacket and Top Size 2 NWT
By Balenciaga
Located in PARIS, FR
Balenciaga set from Cruise 2023 collection in collaboration with Adidas consisting of an oversized black denim jacket and a matching long-sleeved white...
Silk jacquard cocktail dress with velvet details and passementerie BALENCIAGA
By Balenciaga
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silk jacquard cocktail dress with velvet details and passementerie and tassels . Invisible Zip closure on the middle back. SIZE 40 (Fr)
Balenciaga Blackout City XL Travel Tote Bag SS17 Smooth Black Leather Authentic
By Balenciaga
Located in San Diego, CA
Balenciaga Paris Blackout XL City Bag in smooth black leather This oversized tote is a modern, minimalist take on the iconic City silhouette, replacing the traditional studs with sl...
BALENCIAGA 2022 turquoise creased twill rubber logo oversized jacket FR34 XS
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA 2022 bright turquoise creased twill rubber logo oversized blazer jacket FR34 XS Reference: LNKO/A02632 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Collection: 2022 Material: Triace...
BALENCIAGA black faux shearling CRUSH SMALL Shoulder Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Balenciaga Crush Small faux shearling bag in black combines bold texture with modern functionality. Crafted from soft curly faux shearling, the bag features a dis...
BALENCIAGA navy blue cotton & silk A-LINE 3/4 Sleeve Jacket 38 S
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balenciaga a-line jacket in navy cotton (54%) and silk (46%). Features 3/4 raglan sleeves (seeve measurements taken from the neck) and two side slit pockets. Opens wit...
Balenciaga Draped Dress with Asymmetrical Center Seam and Keyhole Neckline
By Balenciaga, Nicholas Ghesquiere
Located in New Hope, PA
This sexy Balenciaga draped dress has an asymmetrical center seam at the center front and an optional keyhole neckline. The navy fabric is two layers at the back, the top layer drap...
Balenciaga Haute Couture Early 1960's Red Swing Bolero Jacket
By Balenciaga
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Balenciaga haute couture early 1960's red silk evening jacket. Cropped swing bolero silhouette. Features a slight collar and cuffed half-sleeves. Matte red dupioni silk. Fully lined....
BALENCIAGA by Nicolas Ghesquière Runway F/W 2007 Pastel Bouclé Tweed Jacket
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Pastel tweed jacket from Nicolas Ghesquière’s Fall/Winter 2007 collection for Balenciaga, as seen on the runway. The richly textured multicolor pastel tweed is contrasted with black ...
Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière SS 2005 Runway Striped Military Blazer Jacket
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in Toronto, Ontario
From the highly sought-after Spring 2005 runway “Sailor” collection and featured in the ad campaign worn by Gisele, this navy striped military jacket is a standout example of Nicolas...
White jersey top with black anchor appliqué BALENCIAGA by Nicolas Ghesquière
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White jersey top with black anchor appliqué . Main fabric composition: 49% wool, 48% polyester, 2% elasthane. FW 2016 SIZE 38/M
Balenciaga City Small Clutch, Blue
By Balenciaga
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Balenciaga clutch, City model in the small size, made of blue leather with silver hardware. Features a flap with a magnetic closure, lined with black fabric on the inside With its c...
Balenciaga Black Leather Bootie Wedges - 41.5
By Balenciaga
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Balenciaga Black Leather Bootie Wedges - 41.5. These shoes are in very good condition with minimal wear on the leather and wear on the sole.
BALENCIAGA Demna 2018 white black logo print asymmetric midi skirt FR38 M
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Demna 2018 white black logo print asymmetric midi skirt FR38 M Reference: KNLM/A00330 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Collection: 2018 Material: Jersey Color: White, Bla...
Balenciaga Black Calfskin Medium Crush On You Double-Sided Shoulder Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Balenciaga carry tote bag shopping bag black leather Italy，Minor wear on the corners. Accessories: Dust bag size: Width:37cm,height:25cm Designer: Balenciaga Model: crush ...
BALENCIAGA Crush Medum black textured leather gold B chain flap shoulder bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Crush Medum black textured leather gold B chain flap shoulder bag Reference: ECLO/A00148 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Crush Material: Leather Color: Black, Gol...
BALENCIAGA Chevreau Brilliant noir leather sculpted platform heeled pumps EU37
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Chevreau Brilliant black noir calf leather sculpted platform heeled pumps EU37 Reference: MELK/A00333 Brand: Balenciaga Model: Chevreau Brilliant Material: Leather, Wood C...
$356Sale Price|40% Off
Balenciaga Women's Multicolored Viscose Dress, Size FR 42, New
By Balenciaga
Located in Capri, IT
Balenciaga multicoloured Viscose Dress NWOT Totally made in france in FR 42 size Never used
BALENCIAGA black distressed suede leather elastic flat boots
By Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquière
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA black distressed suede leather elastic flat boots Reference: PRWU/A00119 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Nicolas Ghesquiere Material: Leather Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closu...
BALENCIAGA Fake Layering black leather beige trench belted coat M
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Fake Layering black leather beige trench belted coat M Reference: TGAS/B01384 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Fake Layering leather trench coat Collection: 2018 -...
BALENCIAGA Demna Knife Mules burgundy satin bow pointy kitten heels EU38.5
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Demna Knife Mules burgundy satin bow pointy kitten heels EU38.5 Reference: CNPG/A00125 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Knife Mules Material: Satin Color: Burgundy...
BALENCIAGA BY NICOLAS GHESQUIÈRE FW 03 Iconic and rare shearling aviator jacket
By Balenciaga
Located in Milano, MILANO
Iconic and rare Fall Winter 2003 shearling aviator jacket by Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière Zipper closure at front Two straps at collar One pocket 100% leather