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 Gilded Necklace with Lava Resin Beads
By Balenciaga
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Balenciaga Paris necklace, from the 1980s, features a heavy, gilt metal, carved beaded choker shape complemented with resin lava rock or sponge-like beads. The lava bea...
Gilt Metal
Balenciaga Haute Couture Necklace, Provenance Bunny Mellon
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
Extraordinary Balenciaga Bunny Mellon Haute Couture choker necklace. Composed of graduated eliptical domes of japanned bronze metal with hand prong set gr...
Bronze
Balenciaga articulated necklace
By Balenciaga
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
BALENCIAGA - (Made in France) Chiseled golden metal articulated necklace. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 44 cm SKU:BC49
Gilt Metal
BALENCIAGA Vintage Huge Gold Brushed Heart Shell Leaf Extra Long Chunky Necklace
By Balenciaga
Located in Wokingham, England
BALENCIAGA Vintage 1990s Huge Massive Extra Long Brushed Heart Love Oval Leaf Shell Link Interlocked Chunky Statement Link Modernist Elegant Necklace, Gold Plated Very good conditio...
Gold Plate
Balenciaga Vintage Spiral Necklace and Earrings Set
By Balenciaga
Located in Nice, FR
BALENCIAGA vintage matte gold toned necklace and earrings set featuring spirals. NECKLACE Spring closure. Marked BALENCIAGA Paris Made in France. Indicative measurements : max. leng...
BALENCIAGA Vintage Gold Tone Textured Link Necklace
By Balenciaga
Located in Nice, FR
BALENCIAGA vintage gold tone necklace featuring oval links with a wrapped thread inspired design. Fold over clasp. Embossed BALENCIAGA Paris. Made in France. Indicative measuremen...
Gilt Metal
Balenciaga Vintage Gold Toned Cœur d’Été Necklace
By Balenciaga
Located in Nice, FR
BALENCIAGA vintage gold toned necklace featuring a large textured disc embossed CŒUR D’ÉTÉ BALENCIAGA embellished with clear crystal. T-bar closure. Embossed BALENCIAGA Paris. Made...
BALENCIAGA 2014 Beaded Bronze Tube Choker Necklace
By Balenciaga
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
BALENCIAGA 2014 Beaded Bronze Tube Choker Necklace Alexander Wang's first resort collection. Measurements: Thickness: 1.98 inches (2.5 cm) Wearable Le...
Vintage BALENCIAGA Jewelled Medallion Link Choker Necklace
By Balenciaga
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage BALENCIAGA Jewelled Medallion Link Choker Necklace Measurements: Height: 1.02 inches (2.6 cm) Wearable Length: 16.14 inches (41 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic BALENCIAGA. - Medallion at the centre with pearls, cabochons and rhinestone embellishments. - Modular links. - Gold tone hardware. - Box clasp closure. - Signed BB...
Vintage BALENCIAGA Lava Rock Necklace
By Balenciaga
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage BALENCIAGA Lava Rock Necklace Measurements: Lava Rock: 1 inch X 1 1/8 inches Wearable Length: 34 inches Features: - 100% Authentic BALENCI...
Vintage BALENCIAGA Leaf Rhinestone Earrings Necklace Set
By Balenciaga
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage BALENCIAGA Leaf Rhinestone Earrings Necklace Set Measurements: EARRINGS Height: 1 3/8 inches Width: 1 inch NECKLACE Height: 1 5/8 inches Wearable Length: 16 2/8 inches Features: - 100% Authentic BALENCIAGA. - Balenciaga earrings and necklace in concave leaves motif. - Textured ribbed leaves with black rhinestones embellishment. - Gold tone. - Clip back earrings. - Fold over closure for the necklace. - Signed BB...
Vintage BALENCIAGA Enamel Leaves Mesh Choker Necklace
By Balenciaga
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage BALENCIAGA Enamel Leaves Mesh Choker Necklace Measurements: Height: 2 inches Width: 4 5/8 inches Wearable Length: 15 inches Features: - 100% Auth...
Vintage BALENCIAGA Enamel Jar Tiered Pearl Necklace
By Balenciaga
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage BALENCIAGA Enamel Jar Tiered Pearl Necklace Measurements: Jars: 1 4/8 inches X 1 inch Wearable Length: 16 2/8 inches Features: - 100% Authentic BALENCIAGA. - 2 layers of creamy gold faux pearl...
Vintage BALENCIAGA PARIS Runway White Passementerie Earrings Necklace Cuff Brace
By Balenciaga
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage BALENCIAGA PARIS Runway White Passementerie Earrings Necklace Cuff Bracelet Set Measurements: EARRINGS Height: 2 4/8 inches (6.35 cm) Width: 2 4/8 inches (6.35 cm) Depth: 1 4/8 inches (3.81 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic BALENCIAGA PARIS. - White passementerie earrings, necklace and cuff bracelet set. - Embellished with white faceted beads. - Cuff bracelet (unsigned). - Clip back earrings (signed). - Necklace ties...
Vintage BALENCIAGA Tiered Pearl Disc Necklace
By Balenciaga
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage BALENCIAGA Tiered Pearl Disc Necklace Measurements: Discs: 1 5/8 inches X 1 5/8 inches Wearable Length: 17 6/8 inches Features: - 100% Authentic BALENCIAGA. - 3 tiered of creamy gold faux pearl...
Genuine Tanzanite Smooth Beads Necklace, Toggle Clasp
Located in New York, NY
A strand of Genuine Tanzanite Smooth Beads with a Sterling Silver Toggle Clasp. Length: 20." The beads range from 4MM to 9MM. Weight: 173.28 carats.
Tanzanite, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Cultured Akoya Pearl Necklace Length 18" , 18 Karat White Gold Clasp
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Cultured Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace Length 18" With 18Kt white Gold Clasp matching stud earrings are available in separate listing This marvelous vintage Pearl necklace...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
22 Karat Gold Flower Motif Dangling Disc Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Flower motif deco link necklace 22Kt Yellow Gold Weight: 10 Grams 10mm larger disc 7mm smaller disc 17 inches length. Comfortable clasp
22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pave Diamond Chain Link Necklace 19.61 Carat t.w.
Located in New York, NY
Surround yourself with glamour and dazzle with this magnificent Pave Diamond Chain Link Necklace, boasting 19.61 carats of sparkling diamond brillia...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cuban Link Necklace 14kt 113 Grams
Located in New York, NY
Classic Cuban Link Necklace 14kt Yellow Gold Weight: 113 Grams 24 inches length. Each Link: 15.2mm Wide / 6.4mm thick Comfortable clasp
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elegant 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Very elegant white gold necklace, 18 K, set with 128 Brilliant cut diamonds of approximately 16 ct, and 142 Baguette Diamonds of ca. 8.50 ct, all F and G colour and vvs clarity. Leng...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Hermes Kelly Chaine Lariat Diamond Rose Gold Necklace Small Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Chaine Lariat Necklace. Featured in 18K Rose Gold and a diamond Kelly lock clasp in the small model. Set with 41 ...
Diamond, Rose Gold
70.72 Carat Natural Tsavorites Diamond Bracelet Earrings Necklace Suite
Located in New York, NY
The Tsavorite Limit. Necklace + Earrings + Bracelet 50.00ct. Natural Tsavorites Full Faceted Oval brilliant cuts Excellent Clean Clarity and Vivid Greens. Excellent transparenc...
Tsavorite, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Diamond Bar Necklace, 14 Karat Yellow Gold Bujukan Beaded Triangle, NK5956Y45JJ
By Gabriel & Co.
Located in Austin, TX
This gorgeous 14k yellow gold bujukan beaded triangle bar necklace dripping with four brilliant diamonds is sure to put a smile on anyone's face! This necklace looks beautiful worn b...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
41 Round Akoya Pearls Strand Necklace Set in Metal Ball Clasp
Located in New York, NY
41 Round Akoya Pearls Strand Necklace Set in metal ball Clasp just look like diamonds it is a very nice pearl necklace. 18 Inch long metal clasp wit...
Pearl
GIA 67.20 Carat No Heat Ruby Diamond Necklace Bracelet Earrings Unheated
Located in New York, NY
The Ruby Limit. Necklace + Earrings + Bracelet 45.20ct. Natural Rubies Full Faceted Oval brilliant cuts Excellent Clean Clarity and Vivid reds. Excellent transparency and blood ...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Natural 260 Carat Blue Topaz and Sapphire Diamond Necklace 14 Karat
Located in New York, NY
260Ct. Natural Bue topaz Briolettes & Rose Cut Bead Necklace Clean and gorgeous aqua tone. The clasp: Natural Sappire: .85ct. .50ct diamonds, H-color, Vs-2 clarity. 53.0grams. 1...
Diamond, Sapphire, Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage BALENCIAGA Art Deco Black Enamel Rhinestone Necklace
By Balenciaga
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage BALENCIAGA Art Deco Black Enamel Rhinestone Necklace Measurements: Height: 1.34 inches (3.4 cm) Wearable Length: 9.25 inches (23.5 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic BALENCIAGA. - Art Deco style necklace with quilted pattern, black enamel and rhinestones embellishments. - Gold tone hardware. - Hook closure. - Signed BB BALENCIAGA...
Vintage BALENCIAGA Logo Charm Multi Layer Cord and Chain Belt Necklace
By Balenciaga
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage BALENCIAGA Art Deco Black Enamel Rhinestone Necklace Measurements: Discs: 2.95 inches (7.5 cm) Wearable Length: 25.19 inches (64 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic BALENCIAGA. ...
BALENCIAGA Vintage Gold Tone and Resin African Tribal Motif Pendant Necklace
By Balenciaga
Located in Nice, FR
BALENCIAGA vintage gold tone and yellow resin link necklace, showcasing a large oval pendant intricately engraved with African-inspired tribal friezes. Toggle clasp. Embossed BALEN...
Gilt Metal
BALENCIAGA Demna Runway green velvet oversized curb chain glasses chain
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Demna Runway green velvet oversized curb chain glasses chain Reference: BSHW/A00119 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Collection: Runway Material: Velvet, Metal Color: Gr...
BALENCIAGA Vintage Textured Gold Tone Stylized Heart Link Necklace
By Balenciaga
Located in Nice, FR
BALENCIAGA vintage gold tone necklace featuring stylized textured heart links. Fold over clasp closure. Embossed BALENCIAGA Paris. Made in France. Indicative measurements : length...
Gilt Metal
Balenciaga Paris Choker Necklace Art Deco Inspired Chrome and Wood
By Balenciaga
Located in Atlanta, GA
Inspired by the Art Deco style, this Balenciaga Paris necklace boasts an elegant and modernist design. The piece features a choker shape comprised of a chromed metal chain ornated wi...
new BALENCIAGA Demna Big B Chain pendant gold chunky chain short necklace
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new BALENCIAGA Demna Big B Chain pendant gold chunky chain short necklace Reference: TGAS/C01416 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: B Chain Necklace Material: Metal Color: Gold...
Gold
Balenciaga Rhinestones Necklace
By Balenciaga
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Balenciaga - Short necklace in enamelled metal made of rhinestones. Additional information: Dimensions: Length: 36.5 cm (14.37 in) to 41 cm (16.14 in) Condition: Very good conditio...
Balenciaga Black Enamelled Rhinestones Necklace
By Balenciaga
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Balenciaga - Necklace made of black enamelled metal, paved with rhinestones. Additional information: Dimensions: Length: 35 cm (13.78 in) to 40 cm (15.75 in) Condition: Very go...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Balenciaga Women's Silver-Tone Crystal Collar Necklace
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to necklace is evident. Minimal wear to the colour of the metal with discolouration due to age on this used Balenciaga designer resale item. D...
Silver
BALENCIAGA gilt necklace with glass crystals
By Balenciaga
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very unusual, organic link gilt necklace with clear glass crystals from Balenciaga dating to the 1980's. Necklace measures approximately 16". Clasp closure. Very good condition.
Crystal
new BALENCIAGA Demna Big B Chain pendant gold chunky chain statement necklace
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new BALENCIAGA Demna Big B Chain pendant gold chunky chain statement necklace Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Material: Metal Color: Gold Pattern...
Gold