Cristóbal Balenciaga

Cristóbal Balenciaga, a Spanish couturier known as 'The Master' of haute couture, was born on January 21, 1895. He was famed for his exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs.

Cristobal Balenciaga opens his haute couture House in San Sebastian, Spain.

Cristóbal Balenciaga opened his first boutique in San Sebastián, Spain in 1918, which later expanded to include branches in Madrid and Barcelona.

Balenciaga opens a boutique in San Sebastián, Spain, which becomes successful and spawns branches in Madrid and Barcelona.

The Spanish Civil War forces Cristóbal Balenciaga to close his stores, so he moves to Paris and opens his house of Balenciaga on the Avenue George V.

By 1939, Balenciaga was being praised in the French press as a revolutionizing force in fashion, with buyers and customers fighting to gain access to his collection.

In 1947, Balenciaga opened his fashion house at 10 Avenue George V in Paris. The presentation of his first collection was met with immediate success by the press and buyers.

In 1948, Balenciaga introduced his second perfume named 'La Fuite des Heures', further establishing his presence in the fragrance industry.

A photograph taken in 1950 by Irving Penn for Vogue featuring a model wearing a Balenciaga evening dress and cape, showcasing the elegant and timeless design of Balenciaga's creations.

In 1951, Balenciaga created the Vareuse and introduced the 'Cocoon' line, showcasing his innovative designs and pushing boundaries in fashion.

In 1952, Balenciaga launched his first boxy suits and introduced the iconic 'Parachute' dress, revolutionizing women's fashion with his avant-garde designs.

In 1953, Balenciaga shifted waistlines to hip level, transforming the silhouette of fashion and setting new trends with his innovative designs.

In 1954, Cristóbal Balenciaga presented a skirt suit in Paris, showcasing his innovative designs. This event marked a significant moment in the history of fashion.

Balenciaga designed the tunic dress in 1955, which later evolved into the chemise dress in 1957.

In 1956, Cristóbal Balenciaga was the first couturier to step outside the Chambre Syndicale system, sharing his collection one month after the official Paris dates to preserve the integrity of his designs.

In 1957, Balenciaga created the high-waisted baby doll dress, the gracefully draped cocoon coat, and the balloon skirt, shown as a single pouf or doubled, one pouf on top of the other.

In 1958, Balenciaga introduced the chemise, which also did not have a discernible waist but was considered universally flattering and copied by many ready-to-wear manufacturers.

In 1959, Balenciaga introduced the Empire line, featuring high-waisted dresses and coats cut like kimono, marking a significant milestone in fashion.

In 1960, Balenciaga created the wedding dress for Fabiola de Mora y Aragón for her marriage to King Baudouin I of Belgium.

In 1963, Cristóbal Balenciaga created the iconic 'Sari' dress, which became a significant piece in the fashion industry.

In 1965, Cristóbal Balenciaga introduced the 'Pétale' dress, adding another iconic piece to his innovative and influential fashion creations.

In June 1967, Alberta Tiburzi wore the 'envelope' dress designed by Cristóbal Balenciaga. This dress was featured in Harper's Bazaar and showcased Balenciaga's innovative designs.

In July 1968, Balenciaga retired from the high fashion world at the age of 74, closing his headquarters in Paris and studios in Madrid. The decision was abrupt, citing the decline in profits due to French taxes and a decrease in American clientele.

Four years after his retirement, Balenciaga designed a gown for the wedding of Carmen Martínez-Bordiú, granddaughter of dictator Francisco Franco. This gown was his last work.

Cristóbal Balenciaga, the influential Spanish couturier known for shaping fashion with his innovative designs, passed away on March 23, 1972. His legacy continues to inspire contemporary fashion designers.

On March 24, 1972, Cristóbal Balenciaga passed away at his home in Spain. He was a great artist whose creations continue to impact the fashion world.

Cristóbal Balenciaga's funeral took place on March 25, 1972, and was attended by everyone in the fashion and social world. Diana Vreeland praised Balenciaga for revolutionizing fashion with his innovative designs and use of color.

In 1973, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York held an anthology exposition titled 'The World of Balenciaga', showcasing 180 models of Balenciaga's garments alongside paintings by famous artists like Goya, Velázquez, and Picasso, which inspired the Basque couturier's designs.

In 1986, the Balenciaga label was re-launched under a series of Creative Directors. This marked a new chapter for the iconic fashion house.

In 1988, the book 'Balenciaga' by M. A. Jouve and J. Demornex was published in Paris by Éditions du Regard. The book delves into the life and work of the iconic fashion designer, Cristóbal Balenciaga.

In 1998, M. A. Jouve published a book titled 'Balenciaga' through Assouline. This publication further explores the legacy and contributions of Cristóbal Balenciaga to the world of fashion.

On May 23, 2000, a museum dedicated to Cristóbal Balenciaga opened in his birthplace in the Basque region. The museum serves as a tribute to the legendary fashion designer.

In 2001, Balenciaga creates the house's first It bag, the Lariat, which quickly becomes a must-have accessory among fashion enthusiasts and celebrities.

In 2010, Hamish Bowles released the book 'Balenciaga and Spain', which explores the relationship between the renowned designer and his Spanish heritage. The book provides insights into Balenciaga's cultural influences.

On March 24, 2011, M. H. de Young Museum in San Francisco opened 'Balenciaga and Spain', a 120-piece fashion retrospective of Cristóbal Balenciaga's career, drawing notable guests like Gwyneth Paltrow and Orlando Bloom.

The Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum was inaugurated in Getaria, Spain on June 7, 2011. The museum houses a collection of over 1,200 pieces designed by Balenciaga, including donations from notable figures like Givenchy and Queen Fabiola.

From December 2012 to July 2015, Alexander Wang assumes the role of creative director at Balenciaga, bringing his unique vision to the renowned fashion house during his tenure.

In 2015, Demna Gvasalia takes over as creative director, infusing Balenciaga with his unique street style aesthetic and revitalizing the brand's image.

In 2016, Demna Gvasalia was appointed as the Artistic Director of Balenciaga collections, bringing his unique vision to the brand.

On June 2, 2017, a major exhibition showcasing the work of Cristóbal Balenciaga opened in London, reviving the legacy of the renowned fashion designer.

On July 7, 2021, Balenciaga stages its first haute couture show in over 50 years at 10 Avenue George V, blending traditional tailoring with modern aesthetics to critical acclaim.