Balenciaga would be the fashion house that was founded by Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. He was the one who introduced couture shapes into the women’s world. Christian Dior even referred to him as “the master of us all”. Balenciaga was the one who conceptualized bubble skirts as well as the odd, feminine but ultra-modern shapes that are all trademarks of this fascinating fashion house.

The first boutique of Balenciaga was open in 1914 in San Sebastian, Spain. This later on expanded to include the other branches in Barcelona and Madrid. The Spanish royal family as well as the other aristocrats wore his designs and creations. However, when he was forced to close his stores during the Spanish Civil War, Balenciaga then moved to Paris. Today, Nicolas Ghesquière runs the designer house.

Balenciaga was able to open his Paris couture house in August of 1937 on Avenue George V. His very first runway show featured the designs which were influenced primarily by the Spanish Renaissance. His success in Paris was quick. In a span of two years, he was lauded by the French press as a revolutionary, after which, his designs were demanded highly.

The house of Balenciaga was the one that designed those dresses that were worn by Jennifer Connelly as well as Nicole Kidman at the 2006 Academy Awards. The wedding gown which Kidman wore for marriage to Keith Urban was also a Balenciaga creation.

Today, Balenciaga is famous for its selection of motorcycle-inspired handbags, particularly the famous “Lariat”. There are currently three Balenciaga boutiques in the US: the one in New York; Honolulu; and Los Angeles.