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 black leather 2016 PLATFORM ANKLE Boots Shoes 36
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Balenciaga 2016 platform leather ankle boot in black delivers a bold, fashion-forward silhouette rooted in the brand’s signature avant-garde aesthetic. Crafted fr...
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 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 Triple S Clear Sole Sneakers Fuchsia Pink
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 Boudoir black feather open toe slipper mule sandals EU37
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Boudoir black feather open toe slipper mule sandals EU37 Reference: TGAS/F00159 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Boudoir Material: Feather, Plastic Color: Black Pa...
BALENCIAGA Knife blue denim trompe loeil pointy heeled boots EU36
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Knife blue denim trompe loeil pointy heeled boots EU36 Reference: TGAS/F00157 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Knife Material: Fabric Color: Blue Pattern: Photogra...
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 ...
rare BALENCIAGA Vintage grey leather colourful wooden block heel loafer EU37
By Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquière
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare BALENCIAGA Vintage grey leather colourful wooden block heel loafer EU37 Reference: TGAS/F00239 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Nicolas Ghesquiere Material: Leather, Wood, Acrylic Co...
BALENCIAGA Triple S black mesh white red triple sole chunky sneaker EU37
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Triple S black mesh white red triple sole chunky sneaker EU37 Reference: MELK/A00225 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Trip...
BALENCIAGA Knife neon pink lycra pointed sock boots EU38 Kim Kardashian
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Knife neon pink lycra pointed sock boots EU38 Kim Kardashian Reference: BSHW/A00182 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Knife As seen on: Kim Kardashian Material: Fab...
BALENCIAGA BB Knife gold logo red black plaid wool sling kitten pump EU38.5
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA BB Knife gold logo red black plaid wool sling kitten pump EU38.5 Reference: KEDG/A00206 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: BB Knife Material: Wool Color: Red Pattern...
BALENCIAGA Vibram Toe black technical 5-toe suspension heel sneakers EU37
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Vibram Toe black technical 5-toe suspension heel sneakers EU37 Reference: TGAS/E00022 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: 636893 Toe ...
BALENCIAGA Speed black fabric neon yellow sole sock sneakers EU37
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Speed black fabric neon yellow sole sock sneakers EU37 Reference: CELE/A00009 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Speed Material: Fabric Color: Black, Neon Yellow Pat...
BALENCIAGA Cagole black leather gold textured stud T-strap flat sandals EU38
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Cagole black leather gold textured stud T-strap flat sandals EU38 Reference: KEDG/A00207 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Material: Calf...
Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere Runway S/S 2008 Gladiator Woven Knee Boots
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
BALENCIAGA BY NICOLAS GHESQUIERE RUNWAY S/S 2008 GLADIATOR WOVEN KNEE BOOTS SIZE 36 EU Extremely rare runway piece from Balenciaga S/S 2008 collection by Nicholas Ghesquiere. Black...
BALENCIAGA sky blue logo embossed rubber platform chunky slides EU38
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA sky blue logo embossed rubber platform chunky slides EU38 Reference: LNKO/A02362 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Mono Material: Rubber Color: Blue Pattern: Solid ...
Balenciaga Beige Suede Cut-Out Sandal Heels - EU 40
By Balenciaga
Located in Amman, JO
Balenciaga Beige Suede Cut-Out Sandal Heels Minimal yet statement-making, these Balenciaga suede sandal heels feature a sculptural cut-out design with soft fringe detailing for a mo...
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. ...
New Balenciaga Purple Reflective Sunglasses With Case
By Balenciaga
Located in Conroe, TX
Balenciaga Sunglasses Brand New * Stunning Slightly Mirrored Lenses * Light & Dark Purple Frames * Frame Width 6.5” * Frame Height 2.25” * BB Gold Details on Temples * Made in Italy ...
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 Triple S Leather, Nubuck & Mesh Distressed Sneakers
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
Balenciaga Triple S Leather, Nubuck & Mesh Distressed Sneakers 'Blue Red' version of signature Tripe S sneakers crafted in mesh, nubuck and leather with hiking-style laces and dual ...
Balenciaga Triple S Leather, Nubuck & Mesh Sneakers
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
Balenciaga Triple S Leather, Nubuck & Mesh Sneakers Ivory Tripe S sneakers crafted in mesh, nubuck and leather with hiking-style laces and dual pull tabs with contrasting navy and p...
New Balenciaga Perforated Patent Leather Heels Sz 40
By Balenciaga
Located in Conroe, TX
Balenciaga Heels Brand New * Stunning in Black Patent Leather * Ties at the Front * Perforated Leather Front * Slight Platform * .75" Front Platform * 4.25" Back Heel * With Box, Dus...
Balenciaga x Adidas Triple S sneakers (W)
By Balenciaga
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Balenciaga x adidas Triple S sneakers (W). Mesh detailing, Logo print to the side, Embroidered design, Logo-print tongue, Branded heel counter, Pull...
Balenciaga Stretch Knit Knife Boot Red 36 FR
By Balenciaga
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
Brand: Balenciaga Product: Stretch Knit Knife Bootie Size: 36 Fr Colour: Red Heel: 11 Cm Material: Stretch Knit: 65% Viscose, 30% Polyammide, 5% Elastan Condition: Prist...
Balenciaga Sneaker Triple S Allover Logo Black White 45 Size 12 Shoes
By Balenciaga
Located in Wallkill, NY
Balenciaga Triple S Allover Logo Black Sneaker shoes White 45 Size 12 Shoe Shaft Style: Low Top UK Shoe Size 11 Style Code: 536737-W2FA1-9010 US Shoe Size 12 EU Shoe Size 45 ...
BALENCIAGA Speed black white red logo laced sock sneakers EU40
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Speed black white red logo laced sock sneakers EU40 Reference: CELE/A00011 Brand: Balenciaga Model: Speed Material: Fabric Color: Black, White Pattern: Solid Closure: Lace...
BALENCIAGA light pink 2020 SPEED 2.0 SOCK Sneakers Shoes 38
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Balenciaga Speed 2.0 sneakers are crafted from light pink technical 3D knit made from recycled polyamide (80%) and elastane (20%). They feature tonal chunky rubb...
rare BALENCIAGA Nicolas Ghesquiere brown black wired buckle ankle bootie EU37
By Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquière
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare BALENCIAGA Nicolas Ghesquiere brown black wired buckle ankle bootie EU37 Reference: TGAS/F00249 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Nicolas Ghesquiere Material: Leather Color: Tan Brown...
BALENCIAGA Cagole blue denim printed leather silver stud moto tall boots EU37
By Balenciaga, Miuccia Prada
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Cagole blue denim printed leather silver stud moto tall boots EU37 Reference: TGAS/F00154 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Cagole Material: Leather Color: Blue Pat...
Balenciaga x Adidas SS23 coolest collab The Knife sock ankle boots
By Balenciaga
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Balenciaga x Adidas The Knife sock ankle boots merge Balenciaga's experimental vision with the technical expertise of Adidas. This pointed-toe style is made from matte Spandex and ...
Balenciaga Black Smooth Leather BB Rim Derby Loafers
By Balenciaga
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Balenciaga BB Derby Lace ups. In excellent barely worn condition. Comes with the box and dust bag. Insole of about 26 cm.
rare BALENCIAGA Runway Demna Pantashoe logo high heel boots pants IT38 EU37
By Balenciaga, Miuccia Prada
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare BALENCIAGA Runway Demna Pantashoe black logo high heel boots pants IT38 EU37 Reference: TGAS/F00211 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Collection: 2018 - Runway Material: Polyami...
BALENCIAGA metallic silver leather TALON MIRROR 80 Boots Ankle Shoes 36
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balenciaga Talon mirror 80 mid-calf boots in metallic silver leather. The design features a side zip fastening, a pointed toe and a mirror shine effect. The boots have...
BALENCIAGA black calfskin leather elongated toe box block heel pump EU37
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA black calfskin leather elongated toe box block heel pump EU37 Reference: TGAS/F00206 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Material: Leather Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closur...
Balenciaga Hourglass Leather Black & White Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Krakow, PL
Elegant Balenciaga Hourglass bag in black and white leather. Features a leather-lined interior, adjustable leather strap, magnetic closure, and one main compartment with one slip po...
BALENCIAGA Vintage Arena yellow studded grey espadrille wedge heel EU38
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Vintage Arena yellow studded grey espadrille wedge heel EU38 Reference: MEKK/A00003 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Nicolas Ghesquiere Model: Arena...
Balenciaga, Triple S trainers in pink
By Balenciaga
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balenciaga, Triple S trainers in pink. The item is in good condition. Small stain on the fabric. CONDITION: good condition SIZE: 35 INSOLE MEASUREMENTS: 23 cm HEEL MEASUREMENTS:...
BALENCIAGA Hourglass leather sculptural curved heel knife point ankle boots EU37
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Hourglass black leather sculptural curved heel knife point ankle boots EU37 Reference: TGAS/F00430 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Hourglass Material: Leather Col...
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 black COSY BB FAUX SHEARLING Slippers Flats Shoes 38
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balenciaga Cosy BB slippers in black faux shearling with BB logo on tip. Have been worn once and are in virtually new condition. Come with dust bags. Measurements Imprinted Size 38...
BALENCIAGA Runway Demna Pantashoe black floral heel boots pants IT38 EU37
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Runway Demna Pantashoe black floral heel boots pants IT38 EU37 Reference: TGAS/C01398 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Pantashoe Collection: Runway Material: Polya...
Black Balenciaga Pointed-Toe Ankle Boots
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
Black leather pointed-toe ankle boots by Balenciaga. Elasticized gores at sides. Stacked heels. 4.75" shaft height, 0.75" heel height.
Balenciaga Stretch Knit Knife Thigh High Boot Black 36 FR
By Balenciaga
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
Brand: Balenciaga Product: Stretch Knit Knife Thigh High Boot Size: 36 Fr Colour: Black Heel: 11.5 Cm Shaft Height: 71 Cm Width 24 Cm Material: Stretch Knit: 65% Visco...
Balenciaga Black Satin Rhinestone Eiffel Tower Kitten Heel Pumps
By Balenciaga
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Balenciaga Black Satin Rhinestone Eiffel Tower Kitten Heel Pumps are a stunning fusion of sophistication and avant-garde flair. Crafted from luxurious black satin, these chic pum...
Balenciaga Brown Leather Pointed Toe Ankle Boots Size 39
By Balenciaga
Located in Krakow, PL
Balenciaga Brown Ankle Boots with Accent Heel Size: 39 Condition: Very Good Condition details: Minimal signs of use; slight wear on the sole, leather, and scratches on the toe area....
BALENCIAGA Demna BB Knife grey denim booties EU38.5
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Demna BB Knife grey denim booties EU38.5 Reference: KEDG/A00294 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: BB Knife Material: Denim Color: Grey, Silver Pattern: Solid Closur...
Balenciaga Leather Knife Chemise Sz.39
By Balenciaga
Located in Krakow, PL
Balenciaga Leather Knife Chemise 40mm Pumps Sz.39 Very good pre-owned condition. No box or dust bag included. Brand: Balenciaga Style: Knife Chemise Pumps Heel Height: 40 mm Siz...
BALENCIAGA Demna silver metallic mirrored leather high ankle boots EU38
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Demna silver metallic mirrored leather high ankle boots EU38 Reference: LNKO/A02140 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Material: Leather Color: Silver Pattern: Solid Closur...
BALENCIAGA Runway Demna Pantashoe black logo high heel boots pants IT38 EU37
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Runway Demna Pantashoe black logo high heel boots pants IT38 EU37 Reference: TGAS/C01414 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: 542109 TDL44 1262 Collection: Pantashoe -...
BALENCIAGA Essex 80 black leather gold buckle ankle boots EU36
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Essex 80 black leather gold buckle ankle boots EU36 Reference: TGAS/F00158 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Essex 80mm Material: Leather Color: Black, Gold Pattern...
White Balenciaga Triple S Chunky Platform Sneakers Size 38
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
Product Details: White chunky platform Triple S low-top sneakers by Balenciaga. Foam rubber soles. Lace-up tie closures at tops. 1.5" platform height, 3" heel height. Designer Size:...
BALENCIAGA Chunky green debossed logo rubber platform pool slides EU36
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Chunky green debossed logo rubber platform pool slides EU36 Reference: ALCU/A00041 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Chunky Material: Rubber Color: Green Pattern: S...
Balenciaga Powder Pink Lambskin Studded-Heel Ballet Flats Size 39.5
By Balenciaga
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Balenciaga Powder Pink Lambskin Studded-Heel Ballet Flats — Size 39.5 (Style 372856) A refined archive Balenciaga flat from the early 2010s era, crafted in soft powder-pink lambskin...
BALENCIAGA black silver studded brogue chelsea ankle boots EU38
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA black silver studded brogue chelsea ankle boots EU38 Reference: ECLO/A00084 Brand: Balenciaga Material: Leather Color: Black, Silver Pattern: Solid Closure: Slip On Lining...
BALENCIAGA Rise white calf leather black logo padded wedged slides EU38
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Rise white calf leather black logo padded wedged slides EU38 Reference: LNKO/A02364 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Rise Material: Leather Pattern: Solid Closure:...
BALENCIAGA Demna blue lycra high heeled sock boots EU38 Kim Kardashian
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Demna blue lycra high heeled sock boots EU38 Kim Kardashian Reference: TGAS/D00194 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Sock boot Material: Jersey Color: Blue Pattern:...
Balenciaga Velvet Stretch Knit Knife Boot Burgundy 41 FR
By Balenciaga
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
Brand: Balenciaga Product: Stretch Knit Velvet Knife Boot Size: 41 Fr Colour: Burgundy Heel: 11 Cm Material: Velvet Condition: Pristine; Never Worn Accompanied By: Ba...
Balenciaga Eiffel Tower Crystal Stretch Knit Knife Boot Black 35 FR
By Balenciaga
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
Balenciaga Eiffel Tower Crystal Stretch Knit Knife Boot Black Brand: Balenciaga Product: Eiffel Tower Crystal Stretch Knit Knife Boot Size: 35 Fr Colour: Black With Crystals...