Life Imitates Art: Cristobal Balenciaga
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Elegance. Charm. Legacy.
There is no doubt that today's fashion industry is full of fantastical designs, intricate patterns and flamboyant colors, yet all this had to come from somewhere. But where?
Guateria, Spain, 1895. Cristobal Balenciaga, known to many as the father of fashion, was the keystone fashionista of his time. Balenciaga began his journey at the age of 10, after the death of his father, in order to further support his family. He started off with dressmaking, crafting elaborate ballgowns and helping his mother with stitching. At the age of 15, Balenciaga took a trip to Paris, in which he was inspired to become a couturier. By the age of 20, Balenciaga had his own shop at the resort San Sebastian in Spain.
In 1937, the Spanish Civil War broke out. Completely disrupted by this widespread violence, Balenciaga packed up shop and relocated to Paris, where he joined the ranks of icons such as Coco Chanel, Pierre Balmain, and many more. The Balenciaga house methodically reframed both men and women's silhouettes, leaning towards flowing capes, elegant suits, and colorful dresses. Because of this, Balenciaga was praised and noted as a leading force in the French fashion industry. His recognition and fame that arose from his revolutionary use of fabrics and embroideries bought him the attention of other fashion houses, though in 1968, the fashion house shut its doors as Balenciaga retired, believing that couture was impossible with the shift to mass produced fashion.
During this time, many other designers took the spotlight; Yves Saint Laurant being one of the most prominent. The boxy elegant designs were heavily inspired by his early mentor, Christian Dior, but Laurent's designs were seemingly different, highlighting sharper framing around the waist and rounder shoulders, whilst maintaining flow. The designs were still undoubtedly tainted with hints of Balenciaga's inspiration, even though both artists were able to expand off his ideas
March 24, 1972 marked the passing of a titan. Cristobal Balenciaga passed away peacefully at his home in Valencia, Spain.
The Balenciaga label couldn’t stay quiet for long, however, and in 1986 it was relaunched. The modern, charming, and elegant look that he worked so hard to create has since been upkept by notable directors such as Nicolas Ghesquière, André Courrèges, Emanuel Ungaro, and most recently, Demna. Many of these directors even apprenticed with Balenciaga and Hubert de Givenchy, among others.
Today the house of Balenciaga is owned by the Kering group, who you may know as the owners of many other notable fashion brands such as Gucci and Alexander McQueen. The label is run by newly appointed creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli. Though today the brand has taken a wildly new direction, producing pieces more aligned with the “fast-fashion” genre, the brand upholds its reputation as an innovative and creative brand. Cristobal Balenciaga’s designs may not be that prevalent or common in the modern era, but there is no doubt that his legacy remains in every piece you wear today.
