Balenciaga
Cristóbal Balenciaga founded his fashion label in 1917 in San Sebastian, Spain. In 1937, following the Spanish Civil War, he moved the brand in Paris, where he became a celebrated couturier and established Balenciaga’s reputation for highly conceptual, ultra-modern shapes.
After more than 50 years in business, Balenciaga closed his atelier in 1968. It was revived in 1986 under the ownership of Jacques Bogart SA and following a series of lackluster collections, found new life under designer Nicolas Ghesquière, who served as creative director from 1997 to 2012.
Since October 2015, Balenciaga’s men’s and women’s collections have been overseen by Georgian designer and artistic director Demna Gvasalia, who has worked to create desirable fashion while also engaging in broader dissertations on cultural, social and political topics.
At the same time, Gvasalia has built close relationships with other luxury and sportswear brands through a plethora of collaborative efforts with the likes of Gucci, Adidas and Vibram. Balenciaga’s work with Crocs, in particular, has produced numerous head-turning shoes that have gotten the fashion set talking.
In recent seasons, Balenciaga become a serious player in the sneaker space with its maximalist Triple S and Track sneakers, as well as its distinctive knit Speed sneaker.
Balenciaga has been part of the Kering group since 2001.
Balenciaga
Saks Fifth Avenue’s Main Floor Renovation Comes Full Circle
Retailer balances heritage luxury brands with new talents to create a spark of excitement.
9 Coco Chanel Facts You Probably Never Knew
In honor of the iconic fashion designer's 136th birthday, WWD looks back at Chanel's legacy.
The RealReal Reveals Luxury Resale’s Top Trends, Best-selling Brands
A report finds the gap between the top two brands, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, and number three, Chanel…
WWD Recommends
Luxury Brands Are Running Fast With the Sneaker Trend
As luxury brands continue to capitalize on mainstream sneaker culture, the global sneakers market is expected…
Air Tahiti Nui Turns to Local Designers to Revamp In-flight Uniforms
The airline's previously worked with Balenciaga Uniformes - a European resource that is not affiliated with…
Moschino’s New High-Profile NYC Location
The unit features a new concept that includes quickly-turning merchandise.
Late Designer Azzedine Alaïa’s Personal Couture Archive Revealed – to Students
Four lucky Parsons students were allowed into Alaïa's personal archive of more than 10,000 couture garments…
Palais Galliera’s Latest Fashion Exhibition Looks at Clothes From the Back
Starting July 5 at the Musée Bourdelle in Paris, "Backside" explores the tricky relationship fashion has with…
London’s Sloane Street Set to Get Millions in Makeover Funding
The luxury shopping street will undergo a three-year refurbishment project, beginning in August.
Comité Colbert Adds Balenciaga
The rapidly growing brand has joined the ranks of France's luxury goods trade association.
Balenciaga CEO to Join Kering’s Executive Comittee
Cédric Charbit has overseen strong sales at the brand, which is expected to surpass 1 billion euros in…
Kering to Invest in New Logistics Network in Italy, U.S.
The decision will impact around half of the 800 employees working in Cadempino, near the Swiss city of…
EXCLUSIVE: Mytheresa to Launch Men’s Wear for a Post-Streetwear World
The Munich-based retailer is looking to offer a new elegance to men who are fed up with the casualization of…
Bagging It for Mother’s Day
There's nothing like a mother's love for her children — or her handbags.
Balenciaga to Establish Two Full Four-Year Scholarships for Black Alumni of Pratt
Demna Gvasalia, creative director of Balenciaga, was awarded the Creative Spirit Award at the 2019…