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, 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 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...
2022 Balenciaga Hourglass All-Over Logo Denim Bag w/Dust Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Port Hope, ON
In excellent condition this 2022 (692040.4312.493076) Balenciaga Hourglass is crafted from light blue bleached denim fabric, and features a Balenciaga allover logo pattern with aged ...
rare Balenciaga Midnight Blue Motocross Giant Hip Mini Bag Supple Leather Studs
By Balenciaga
Located in San Diego, CA
rare vintage Balenciaga 2010 Motocross Giant Hip Mini Bag This bag features the iconic Balenciaga aesthetic, including textured silver-tone hardware ...
BALENCIAGA 2017 Arena Round Air S Hobo black leather cylinder crossbody bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA 2017 Arena Round Air S Hobo black leather cylinder crossbody bag Reference: ECLO/A00161 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Arena Round Air S Hobo Collection: SS2017 ...
BALENCIAGA Demna Everyday Camera XS burgundy red logo camera crossbody bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Demna Everyday Camera XS burgundy red logo camera crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/B01350 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Everyday Camera Bag XS Material: Leather Co...
Balenciaga Messenger Le Cagole Shoulder Bag Black Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Good, normal signs of use, inside is clean, overall good color. Accessories: No Accessories size: Wid...
BALENCIAGA Demna Hourglass XS black strass crystal leather crossbody bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Demna Hourglass XS black strass crystal leather crossbody bag Reference: LNKO/A02467 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Hourglass XS As seen on: Kim Kardashian Mater...
Balenciaga Neo Folk Messenger Bag 2011 Turquoise Suede Crossbody Y2K Moto
By Balenciaga
Located in San Diego, CA
Authentic 2011 Balenciaga Neo Folk Messenger in rare turquoise teal suede. This Y2K moto style crossbody features iconic silver-tone studs and Italian craftsmanship. Perfect everyday...
Balenciaga 2022 Rhinestone Embellished Suede Small Hourglass Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Balenciaga Rhinestone Embellished Suede Small Hourglass Product Details Xupes Ref: HB4738 Brand: Balenciaga Model: Small Hourglass Type: Top Han...
NEW Balenciaga Black Leather Souvenir Belt Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Brossard, QC
Grained goatskin bag in black featuring embossed logo pattern throughout. Adjustable leather and curb chain belt-style strap featuring carved charms and pin-buckle fastening. Logo st...
Balenciaga Beige Croc Embossed Hourglass Downtown Shoulder Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Balenciaga Tan Croc Embossed Soft Hourglass SKU: 156621 MSRP: 2050.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Balenciaga have never shied away from playing wi...
BALENCIAGA Bazar navy red striped leather top handle crossbody bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Bazar navy red striped leather top handle crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/E00089 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Bazar Material: Leather Color: Navy, Red Pattern: S...
Balenciaga Crossbody Bag Black
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
Black Adjustable shoulder strap Zip-fastening compartment Logo plaque Internal patch pocket Condition: Excellent This pre-owned item is in excellent condition, with no signs of damag...
BALENCIAGA Demna Everyday Camera XS black leather logo print crossbody bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Demna Everyday Camera XS black leather logo print crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/B01352 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Everyday Camera Bag XS Material: Leather Co...
Balenciaga Leopard Print Leather Mini Shopper Tote With Crossbody Strap
By Balenciaga
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Balenciaga Leopard Print Leather Mini Shopper Tote With Crossbody Strap is a bold and versatile accessory that effortlessly combines luxury with a wild, fashion-forward edge. Cra...
Balenciaga New Black Hearts Bucket Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Balenciaga new small 2 way bucket bag. Handbag or cross body. Black toile with colorful hearts design. Adjustable and detachable shoulder strap (drop 15...
Balenciaga Brown Leather Classic the Day Hobo Messenger 14ba53s
By Balenciaga
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 272409-2711 1669 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 16" Width: 4" Height: 13.5" Shoulder Handle Drop: 19" OVERALL GOOD+ CONDITION ( 7.25/10 or B+ ) ...
Balenciaga Black Leather Classic Logo Wallet on Chain Gold Chain 48ba624s
By Balenciaga
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 593785-1090-R-568148 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 7.5" Width: 1" Height: 4" Shoulder Handle Drop: 19" OVERALL NEW CONDITION ( 10/10 or N ) Acce...
Chanel Coral Quilted Lambskin Mini Rectangular Classic Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel Coral Quilted Lambskin Mini Rectangular Classic Flap Bag SKU: 156644 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Mint Condition Comments: Plastic at some hardware....
H 5.1 in W 7.1 in D 2.8 in
Chanel 1992 Vintage Diamond Quilted Soft Lambskin CC Shoulder Camera Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Vintage 90's Diamond Quilted CC Shoulder Bag Year: circa 1992 {vintage 32 Years} leather diamond quilting signature interlocking CC turn-lock fastening gold-tone hardware large tassel...
H 9.5 in W 12.25 in L 4.25 in
Chanel 2005 Vintage Classic Flap Limited Edition PNY Jumbo Expandable Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Paris New York PNY Jumbo Expandable Maxi Calfskin Flap Bag 2005 {VINTAGE 19 Years} Ruthenium hardware Diamond stitch calfskin aged leather Flap with CC turn lock Interior zippered closure Expandable zippered bottom Interwoven leather chain straps Interior lined green nylon Handle Drop: Single: 16" Double: 9" Made in Italy Very limited edition and rare vintage Chanel bag! As seen on Scarlett Johansson & Keira Knightley
H 5.1 in W 8.7 in D 2.4 in
Chanel Quilted Lambskin Vintage Fanny Pack Waist Belt Bum Bag, 1990s
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel vintage quilted leather fanny pack features gold hardware. 1991 {Vintage 31 Years} Gold Hardware Blue quilted lambskin leather CC logo medallion charm Zippered closure Waist...
H 7 in W 2 in L 6.5 in
Hermès BNIB Mini Evelyne Capucine Gold
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès mini Evelyne shoulder and cross-body bag with signature perforated "H." Capucine taurillon clemence leather , gold strap and palladium hardware. Sh...
H 4.25 in W 6 in L 1.25 in
Chanel Handbag Classic Flap Boy Brick Mini Studded Classic Logo CC Navy Blue Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Boy Brick Mini Studded WOC Classic Logo CC Flap Bag Year: 2016 Ruthenium brass hardware Chanel CC logo and studded brick accents Diamond quilted lambskin leather at rear...
H 5 in W 7 in L 2 in
Chanel Waist Vintage Rare 1994 Belt Bum Fanny Pack Black Patent Leather Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Chanel classic patent leather fanny pack 1994 {VINTAGE 29 Years} Gold hardware Interior calfskin lining Interior center zipper pocket La...
Chanel Timeless Bag Rare Vintage 1990's Limited Edition Lucky Charm Black Tote
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Timeless Bag Rare Vintage 1990's Limited Edition Lucky Charm Black Tote Made in France
H 13 in D 2 in L 12.75 in
Hermes Red Clemence Leather Evelyne III GM Messenger Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Red Taurillon Clemence Leather Evelyne III GM Messenger Bag Made In: France Color: Red Year of Production: 2017 Hardware: Palladium Materials: T...
Hermès Women's 2010s Evelyne 16 Amazone Red Clemence Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
Authentic Hermes Evelyn 16 Amazone Clemence Bag in Red. Features calfskin leather, a flat shoulder strap, the bag can be worn comfortably over the shoulder or crossbody. The opening ...
H 4.5 in W 7 in D 2 in
1980s Chanel Black Satin Quilted Evening Bag
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Classic 1980s Chanel black satin quilted evening bag with leather trim. The bag is in overall good vintage condition. There is visible wear on the leather trim and some of the goldpl...
Fendi Vintage Black Leather & Patent Crossbody - Circa 1990's
By Fendi
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fendi Vintage Black Leather & Patent Crossbody - Circa 1990's. This lovely Fendi bag is in good vintage condition with only some wear consistent with...
BALENCIAGA Demna Hourglass XS black strass crystal leather crossbody bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Demna Hourglass XS black strass crystal leather crossbody bag Reference: LNKO/A02467 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Hourglass XS As seen on: Kim Kardashian Mater...
H 9.85 in W 12.6 in
BALENCIAGA Le Cagole Messenger Bag Black Arena Lambskin Aged Silver Hardware
By Balenciaga
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Good, normal signs of use, inside is clean, overall good color. Accessories: No Accessories size: Wid...
BALENCIAGA City Classic Mini neon yellow scaled leather motocross bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA City Classic Mini neon yellow scaled leather motocross bag Reference: TGAS/F00513 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: City Classic Mini Material: Leather Color: Neon ...
BALENCIAGA Motocross Move On grey leather rose gold hardware crossbody pouch
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Motocross Move On grey leather rose gold hardware crossbody pouch Reference: ECLO/A00178 Brand: Balenciaga Model: Motocross Move On Material: Leather Color: Grey, Gold Pat...
H 6 in W 9.5 in D 4 in L 14.5 in
Balenciaga Dark Blue Aged Lambskin Classic Small City Bag w/Mirror
By Balenciaga
Located in Port Hope, ON
This is the Balenciaga Classic City Mini leather two way bag, with top braided handles and a removeable crossbody strap. The color is a dark blue aged leather with gold hardware. The...
H 7.5 in D 4 in L 12 in
Balenciaga Lilac Lambskin Leather Small Le City Crossbody Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
Balenciaga Lilac Lambskin Leather Small Le City Crossbody Bag Made In: Italy Year of Production: 2023-2024 Color: Lilac purple Hardware: Silvertone Materials: Lambskin leather Linin...
BALENCIAGA Power Of Dreams 3M reflective nylon Explorer crossbody belt bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Power Of Dreams 3M reflective nylon Explorer crossbody belt bag Reference: TGAS/B01383 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Power Of Dreams waist bag Material: Nylon C...
BALENCIAGA DEMNA red logo dual pocket nylon black waist belt crossbody bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA DEMNA red logo dual pocket nylon black waist belt crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/B00183 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Material: Nylon Color: Red Pattern: Solid Closure:...
BALENCIAGA DEMNA LE Cagole XS neon yellow silver stud crossbody Motocross bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA DEMNA LE Cagole XS neon yellow silver stud crossbody Motocross bag Reference: KEDG/A00221 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Le Cagole XS Material: Leather Color: Ye...
Size: One Size
Balenciaga Neo Classic Mini Crossbody Bag - '10s
By Balenciaga
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Balenciaga Neo Classic mini top handle bag remains a classic and crowd favourite! Made in Italy with white leather and embossed crocodi...
H 7 in W 2 in L 10 in
BALENCIAGA Pink Mini Crossbody City Bag 2BAL1214K
By Balenciaga
Located in Dix hills, NY
BALENCIAGA Pink Mini Crossbody City Bag 2BAL1214K Date Code/Serial Number: 2372086603002123 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 10 " Width: 2" Heig...
H 7.09 in W 9.85 in D 3.94 in
BALENCIAGA Jaune Citronnade Goatskin Leather Papier Mini
By Balenciaga
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
BALENCIAGA Jaune Citronnade Goatskin Leather Papier Mini Serial Number: 370926.7325.E.535269 Age (Circa): 2010 Accompanied By: Balenciaga Shoulder Strap, Detachable Mirror Authentic...