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 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...
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 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...
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)
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 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 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...
Black satin jacket with black leather sleeve edge BALENCIAGA
By Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquière
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 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 ...
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...
Balenciaga Le Dix by Nicolas Ghesquiere Spring 2002 Runway Black Lace Up Dress
By Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquière
Located in Toronto, Ontario
An avant-garde essential from the iconic spring summer 2002 collection. This dress embodies the utilitarian romance of the Le Dix years. Constructed in cotton and mesh , the black s...
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 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...
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 ...
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...
Blue leather biker jacket BALENCIAGA LEATHER by Nicolas Ghesquière
By Balenciaga
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Blue leather biker jacket. Lining composition: 100% rayon . Zip closure on the middle front, on the pocket and on the cuffs. SIZE 40 (Fr) / M
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...
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 New York socialite, philanthropist and member of the International Best Dressed Li...
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 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. ...
$350Sale Price|26% Off
Balenciaga Paris Polished Cotton Floral Trench Coat Size 40
By Balenciaga
Located in University City, MO
Balenciaga Paris Polished cotton floral trench coat The stylish designer coat is illustrated with a field of lush floral print blue / gray roses The profusion of roses are surrounded with muted green leafy foliage. The chic coat is constructed with polished cotton fabric. Adorned with gilt metal disc buttons each stamped Balenciaga The sleeve cuffs have a matching floral print band with a single matching gilt metal Balenciaga button...
Navy blue wool double breasted coat BALENCIAGA by Nicolas Ghesquière
By Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquière
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...
$307Sale 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 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...
$1,554Sale 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...
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 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...
$323Sale 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 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...
new 2003 Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga tan leather runway sandals - 37
By Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquière
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...
Black velvet double breasted blazer with gold metal button BALENCIAGA
By Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquière
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black cotton velvet double breasted blazer with gold metal button on a top of hidden snap closure . Silk lining. Rayon collar. Shoulder pad. size 38
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 Demna Gvasalia Fall 2017 faux fur leopard coat
By Balenciaga
Located in CANNES, FR
Balenciaga x Demna Gvasalia Fall/Winter 2017–2018 3/4 length faux-fur coat with a panther print. Size 38.
Rare Balenciaga Nicolas Ghesquiere A/W 2003 Aviator Leather Shearling Jacket
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
BALENCIAGA BY NICOLAS GHESQUIERE A/W 2003 LEATHER AND SHEARLING AVIATOR JACKET Rare Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere Autumn / Winter 2003 leather and shearling jacket. Featuring da...
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 dress by Nicolas Ghesquière circa 2000
By Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquière
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...
Balenciaga Leather Double Breasted Jacket
By Balenciaga
Located in Oakland, CA
Balenciaga classic black leather jacket. Soft buttery leather. Double breasted with black & gold disk buttons. Front slit pockets. Fully lined. Back slit. Tagged size 40. Thi...
Balenciaga Spring 2007 by Nicolas Ghesquiere Size 38 / 8 White Tuxedo Dress
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in San Diego, CA
BALENCIAGA by NICOLAS GHESQUIERE Spring 2007 Runway white tuxedo shirt dress ! Cotton with white vinyl trim. Hidden buttons up the front. Can be worn a variety of ways, including as ...
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...
Elegant Eisa Oatmeal Wool Jersey Ensemble, Balenciaga
By Eisa, Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
Lovely and elegant Eisa Oatmeal Wool Jersey Ensemble by Balenciaga from the 1960's. Easy sleeveless princess line top with tonal buttons and bound buttonholes. The top ends exactly a...
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 Demna 2020 burgundy logo shearling cocoon Bombardier jacket FR34 XS
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Demna 2020 burgundy logo shearling cocoon Bombardier jacket FR34 XS Reference: TGAS/E00018 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: 646463 Cocoon Bombardier Collection: 20...
BALENCIAGA By NICOLAS GHESQUIÈRE 2003 Asymmetric Skirt FR40
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in Berlin, BE
Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiére 2003 wool skirt with pin detail Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Nicolas Ghesquiére Collection / Year: 2003 Material: 45% wool, 55% polyester, unlined Co...
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...
Blue silk backless dress with ruffle edge BALENCIAGA Silk
By Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquière
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Blue silk backless dress with ruffle edge . Silk Lining. Invisible zip closure on the left side. Total lenght middle front = 95cm Total lenght middle back = 145cm SIZE 40 (Fr) L
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...
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 Black Dress" for any perfect modern wardrobe. Labelled and numbered 84543, the dress...
BALENCIAGA By DEMNA Pre Fall 2017 Blue Jewel Dress
By Balenciaga
Located in Berlin, BE
Balenciaga by Demna Pre Fall 2017 Blue Jewel Dress FR40 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Collection: Pre Fall 2017 Fabric: Viscose, PA, Elastin Color: Blue Size: FR40 Early Balenc...
Grey wool skirt suit BALENCIAGA 1957
By Balenciaga
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Grey wool skirt suit . Silk lining. Raglan sleeve. Button and buttonhole closure on the middle front. Cut-work. Jacket size: 38 (Fr) M Skirt size : 36 (Fr) S
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...
$298Sale Price|50% 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
1960's EISA BALENCIAGA haute couture vibrant pink silk dress
By Balenciaga, Eisa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Stunning silk dress designed by Cristobal Balenciaga for Spanish atelier EISA. This dress is a beautiful example of mid-century minimalist design. Made in a vibrant pink, the dress ...
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 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 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 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...
Balenciaga Black Wool Vest with Patterned Cream Wool Panels
By Balenciaga
Located in New Hope, PA
This Balenciaga black wool vest is enhanced by the addition of cream wool printed panels at the front, back and on the collar. The collar stands against your neck for extra warmth. ...
2000s Balenciaga Paisley Print Three piece Suit by Nicolas Ghesquière
By Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquière
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An exceptional three-piece Balenciaga ensemble from the Spring/Summer 2006 ready-to-wear collection, designed by Nicolas Ghesquière. The paisley blouse and trousers are documented to...