Balenciaga
The first Balenciaga boutique was founded in Spain in 1919, and the second in Paris in 1937 at the height of the Spanish Civil War. The move proved to be a success, firmly establishing the brand.
Cristóbel Balenciaga was well-known for his sleek and linear lines. In post-war Europe, the brand dominated markets that disliked Christian Dior’s hourglass shape, which was heavily popularized at the time.
Further revolutionizing women’s fashion in the 1950s and 1960s, the brand developed trademark styles such as new collar designs and bracelet sleeves.
The brand was acquired by multinational French Giant Kering in 2001. Kering also owns controlling shares in
Yves Saint Laurent,
Gucci, and
Alexander McQueen, to name just a few.
