Balenciaga

Balenciaga’s fascinating history with a touch of gossip

Balenciaga is a fashion house founded by Cristóbal Balenciaga, a Spanish designer, born in the Basque Country, Spain.   He had a reputation as a couturier of uncompromising standards and was referred to as “the master of us all” by Christian Dior.  His bubble skirts and odd, feminine, yet ultra-modern shapes were trademarks of the house. The house of Balenciaga is now owned by the French multinational company PPR .

Cristóbal Balenciaga opened his first boutique in San Sebastián, Spain, in 1918, which expanded to include branches in Madrid and Barcelona. The Spanish royal family and the aristocracy wore his designs, but when the Spanish Civil War forced him to close his stores, Balenciaga moved to Paris.

Balenciaga’s customers included as Pauline de Rothschild, Bunny Mellon, Marella Agnelli, Gloria Guinness and Mona von Bismarck.  . In 1960 he designed the wedding dress for Queen Fabiola of Belgium made of ivory duchess satin trimmed with white mink at the collar and the hips. Jackie Kennedy famously upset John F. Kennedy for buying Balenciaga’s expensive creations while he was President because he feared that the American public might think the purchases too lavish. Her haute couture bills were eventually discreetly paid by her father-in-law, Joseph Kennedy.

The house of Balenciaga designed the dresses worn by Jennifer Connelly and Nicole Kidman to the 2006 Academy Awards, as well as the wedding gown Kidman wore for her recent marriage to Keith Urban. Kylie Minogue also wore a Balenciaga dress for her “Slow” and “RedBlooded Woman” music videos and for her concert tour.

Balenciaga opened his Paris couture house on Avenue George V in August 1937, and his first runway show featured designs heavily influenced by the Spanish Renaissance. Balenciaga’s success in Paris was nearly immediate. Within two years, the French press lauded him as a revolutionary, and his designs were highly sought-after. Carmel Snow, the editor of Harper’s Bazaar was an early champion of his designs.

In conclusion, I love the unique designs of the Balenciaga handbags and gorgeous color choices as do a large percentage of women I have had the opportunity to speak with regarding this designer range.  To complete your total  look you can choose a pair of Balenciaga shoes.  Ladies enjoy your designer fashion purchases.

About the Author

Marcia McNamara HandbagBrandsOnline.com is dedicated to helping ladies enjoy the experience of owning an affordable authentic Handbags, Tote Bags or Wallets.  Visit today for some incredible deals.

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Balenciaga Fall Winter 2011 2012 Womenswear