Balenciaga was founded by the Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga in 1919 in San Sebastián, Spain. Renowned for his revolutionary approach to design, Balenciaga quickly gained acclaim for his mastery of tailoring and innovative silhouettes. His work blended traditional Spanish craftsmanship with avant-garde techniques, establishing a distinctive style that emphasized architectural forms and fluid lines. In the 1930s, he relocated to Paris, where he became a pivotal figure in the fashion world, dressing influential clients and redefining women's wear. After his death in 1972, the house experienced periods of dormancy and resurgence, particularly under the creative direction of Nicolas Ghesquière in the late 1990s and early 2000s, who revitalized the brand with a modern, forward-thinking vision, ensuring Balenciaga's enduring legacy in contemporary fashion.