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.
rare BALENCIAGA Demna Artisanal multi gold black white rings linked bracelet
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare BALENCIAGA Demna Artisanal multi gold black white rings linked bracelet Reference: TGAS/C01451 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: 599639 TZ98O Material: Metal Color: Gold,...
Balenciaga Vintage Jewelled Abstract Link Bracelet
By Balenciaga
Located in Nice, FR
BALENCIAGA vintage matt and polished gold toned bracelet featuring abstract articulated links embellished with multicolored crystals. Push button closure...
Gilt Metal
Chrome Hearts S925 Extra Fancy Link Bracelet 2010
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Chrome Hearts Extra Fancy link bracelet crafted in solid S925 sterling silver. Features the iconic floral link design with “CH” clasp, marked 2010 and 0.925. Measures 8 inc...
Sterling Silver
Iconic "I Love You" Gold Plated Sterling Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
14k yellow Gold over .925 Sterling Silver "I LOVE U" Bracelet by Jane Basch, measuring 7 1/4 inches in length with the letters being 1/2 inch wide, popular for over 50 Years these ha...
Vermeil
David Webb Fishscale Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent 1970’S, 18K Yellow Gold David Webb “FISHSCALE” bracelet. This is composed beautifully with braided detailing and unique rope work - hand crafted to perfection. This is a ...
18k Gold
French 1960s Retro 18 Karat Rose Gold Curb Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bracelet in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head and rhinoceros head hallmarks. This vintage bracelet features 3 rows of articulated gourmette link. The edges are chased on both sides and ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
0.84Carat 14Kt YellowGold Brilliant Cut Cubic Zirconia Adjustable Chain Bracelet
By Lustre of London
Located in London, GB
This design will never go out of style. Extremely wearable day or evening. Wear alone or layer with our 14 karat rose gold and silver brilliant cut chain bracelets...
Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Ciner 1960s Vintage Sapphire Oval Crystals Clear Flower Circle Cabochon 2 Set
By Ciner
Located in Wokingham, England
Ciner 1960s Vintage Sapphire Navy Blue Oval Whole Crystals Clear Flower Circle Beads Cabochon Charms Link Elegant 2 Set Clip Drop Earrings Bracelet, Silver Tone Very good condition....
Silver Plate
$1,463Sale Price / item|24% Off
14K Yellow Gold 0.16CT Diamond PAPER CLIP Link Bracelet
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications: main stone:ROUND DIAMONDS diamonds:1 PC carat total weight:approximately 0.16 CT color:f clarity:SI brand:CUSTOM MADE metal:14K YELLOW gol...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
ArtDeco MarcelBoucher MazerBros GlassAccented DecorativeLink Bracelet, 1930s
By Marcel Boucher
Located in Chicago, IL
Signed with the early "Mazer Bros" signature, this Art-Deco period decorative link bracelet was created in the early 1930s while former Cartier designer Marcel Boucher was the design...
Citrine, Crystal, Gold, Silver, Gilt Metal
Vintage Aquamarine Diamond Onyx Mauboussin Earrings Necklace Bracelet Suite
By Mauboussin
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptional one-of-a-kind aquamarine diamond and black onyx suite attributed to Mauboussin Paris and set in 18 karat yellow gold. This impressive suite consists of a necklace, bracelet, and earrings and is a vintage creation dating to 1980s. It is emblematic of the bold French high-jewelry glamour of that era. Large aquamarines highlight each individual piece in the suite and feature an ever-elegant emerald-step-cut. The aquamarines display a rich and lively blue color that lights up beautifully as the pieces are worn. They are also characterized by very fine clarity. Vivid aquamarine gemstones float on top of oval 18 karat yellow gold base which is masterfully inlaid with black onyx and encrusted with sparkling fine white diamonds. The necklace and bracelet also feature elegant large oval gold links, surface of which is embellished with decorative ridges, and diamond set short links joining them. Diamonds total approximately 10.5 carats altogether. The juxtaposition of vivid blue aquamarines against elegant black onyx and sumptuous frames of glittering diamonds and luminous yellow gold setting create an incredibly sophisticated and chic statement jewelry. The pieces are in excellent condition and bear French hallmarks of the period including a maker’s mark for Péry & Fils which was one of the main jewelry makers for Mauboussin Paris. For further details please see summary below as well as individual listings for each of these pieces in our 1stdibs store. Suite pricing offers an attractive discount compared to buying each of the pieces individually. Summary: - Vintage suite dating to 1980s masterfully combines large blue aquamarines, elegant black onyx, white diamonds and 18 karate yellow gold into a bold and chic design that makes for high-statement jewelry - Featuring large vivid blue aquamarines of emerald-step-cut and of very fine clarity. Aquamarines altogether weigh an impressive 76 carats (24 carats for the necklace/ 30 carats for the bracelet / 11 carats for each of the earrings) - Featuring altogether approximately 10.5 carats of fine white round diamonds (F-G color) - Necklace measures approximately 16.5 inches (42cm) in length and its center pendant is approximately 1.2 by 1 inch (3cm by 2.6cm); bracelet measures approximately 6.9 inches (17.5cm) in length and its center section is approximately 1.25 by 1 inch (3.2cm by 2.5cm); clip-on earrings (posts for pierced ears can be added) measure 1in (2.5cm) in length and width - Attributed to Mauboussin Paris and with French hallmarks of the period including maker’s mark for Péry & Fils (well know Mauboussin jewelry...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Paperclip Diamond Crafted 14K (or 18k upon request) Gold Link Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Paperclip Diamond Crafted 14K Gold Link Bracelet compliments any outfit and shines in every setting. Perfect gift for Anniversary, Birthday, Wedding, and Holiday. Bracelet Info...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Sterling Silver Christmas Icons Link Bracelet 8" - 925 Tree Santa Reindeer
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: Sterling Silver Bracelet Style: Link Fastening Type: Lobster Claw Clasp Theme: Christmas Icons, Tree Santa Reindeer Features: Textured Detailing Measurements Chain ...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Oval Dot Link Bracelet 7 3/4" - 925
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: Sterling Silver Bracelet Style: Link Fastening Type: Hook Clasp Measurements Length: 7 3/4" Front Width: 15/32" (11.3mm) Chain Width: 15/32" (11.3mm) Width at Statio...
Sterling Silver
Balenciaga Paris Vintage Gilded Textured Bracelet
By Balenciaga
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Balenciaga Paris link bracelet features a half-shell link articulated design with gilded metal, all carved, textured, and etched. The bracelet closes with a fold-over c...
Gilt Metal
rare BALENCIAGA Demna Artisanal multi gold black white rings linked bracelet
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare BALENCIAGA Demna Artisanal multi gold black white rings linked bracelet Reference: TGAS/C01450 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: 599639 TZ98O Material: Metal Color: Gold,...
Gold
Rare BALENCIAGA Demna Artisanal multi gold black white rings linked bracelet
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare BALENCIAGA Demna Artisanal multi gold black white rings linked bracelet Reference: TGAS/C01415 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: 599639 TZ98O Material: Metal Color: Gold,...
Gold
rare BALENCIAGA Demna Artisanal multi gold black white rings linked bracelet
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare BALENCIAGA Demna Artisanal multi gold black white rings linked bracelet Reference: TGAS/C01415 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: 599639 TZ98O Material: Metal Color: Gold,...
rare BALENCIAGA Demna Artisanal multi gold black white rings linked bracelet
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare BALENCIAGA Demna Artisanal multi gold black white rings linked bracelet Reference: TGAS/C01450 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: 599639 TZ98O Material: Metal Color: Gold,...
Gold
Balenciaga Vintage Gold Toned Spiral Link Bracelet
By Balenciaga
Located in Nice, FR
BALENCIAGA vintage massive matte and polished gold toned spiral design links bracelet. Embossed BALENCIAGA Paris MADE IN FRANCE. Indicative measurements : length approx. 18.6 cm (7...
Gilt Metal