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
Forever 21 Cites Dozens of Brands in Fight Over Gucci Stripes
The chain is relying on the sale of striped items by everyone from Balenciaga to J. Crew to undermine Gucci's…
Balenciaga Brings Copy Shop Concept to Dover Street Market
The personalized T-shirt printing service will be installed in the retailer's London store from Nov. 30 to…
Sneaker Reseller Goat’s Pop-up Exhibit a Place for Stories, Conversation
The fast-growing Culver City, Calif. company is headed up by technologists who also share a passion for…
Russian Retailers Cheer Arrival of Tax-Free Scheme
Tsum and DLT said measures could "double the turnover of our sites within three years."
Balenciaga to Launch Logocentric Men’s Capsule
The line will carry over from the logocentric contingent of the house's men's fall 2017 line.
Sexual Abuse in Modeling: The Outcry Grows
Model Cameron Russell is shedding light on decades of sexual abuse in the modeling industry.
Louis Vuitton RTW Spring 2018
Nicolas Ghesquière delivered a powerful collection that blended his signature sportswear with 18th-century…
Balenciaga Faces Fresh Casting Controversy at Paris Fashion Week
Model Louise Parker blasted the brand for canceling her booking and called out parent company Kering over its…
Balenciaga RTW Spring 2018
Appropriation is the name of the game for Demna Gvasalia, and he pulled it off in a fun and gutsy showing for…
Balenciaga Changes Logo
The brand's new logo was inspired by "the clarity of public transportation signage."
Lanvin Names Joint Deputy CEO
Simone Mantura will join the house on Oct. 1 as deputy chief executive officer, working alongside former ceo…
Paris Scene: Places to Eat, Drink and Play Off-Hours
The City of Light is bubbling with new restaurants, boutiques and art exhibits to keep fashion folk busy…
EXCLUSIVE: Balenciaga’s Avenue Montaigne Store Opens Sept. 23
The new Paris flagship features a similar style as the brand's refurbished Rue Saint-Honoré store.
London Fashion Week Spring 2018: The Scene
The best places to eat, drink and visit during London Fashion Week.
Exclusive: 12 Top Footwear Buyers Reveal Which Brands to Watch Out For During Fashion Month
Everyone's money is on Balenciaga and Gucci.