contact ~ links ~ <search> ~ archives ~ shopcart
Cristobal Balenciaga
cristobal balenciagaCristobal Balenciaga was born in the town of Guetaria in the Basque region of Spain on January 21, 1895. At a very early age he began his life's work in fashion at his mother's side as she worked as a seamstress. It is fabled that the Marquesa de Casa Torres, who was so taken with his talent, sent him to Madrid for formal training in tailoring when he was just a teenager. Upon graduation he became a Spanish sensation, opening branches of his boutique Eisa (named for his mother) in Madrid, Barcelona, and San Sebastián. The Spanish Civil War brought an end to his Spanish boutiques, so Balenciaga took it as an opportunity to move his operation to Paris and very soon after, he was the toast of the town.

Balenciaga's designs were more often than not, linear and streamlined. While Fath and Dior produced curvy confections know as "The New Look", Balenciaga created forms that hovered around the body in fluid lines. Balenciaga achieved what is considered to be his most important contribution to the world of fashion: a new silhouette for women.

Balenciaga died on March 24, 1972, in Spain. The clothing he produced is still relevant in todays fashion, and his work is highly sought after and collected.
vintage balenciaga
1960s > Dress
Balenciaga
vintage balenciaga
1950s > suit
Cristobal Balenciaga

1990s > body con dress
Balenciaga Le Dix

1950s > lbd
Cristobal Balenciaga
vintage halston couture
1960s > dress
Eisa - Balenciaga SOLD

1950s > coat
Balenciaga SOLD

1950s > suit
Eisa SOLD

1950s > cocktail dress
Balenciaga SOLD
vintage balenciaga
1950s > coat
Balenciaga SOLD
vintage balenciaga
1950s > coat
Eisa - Balenciaga SOLD
vintage balenciaga eisa coat
1950s > jacket
Eisa - Balenciaga SOLD
© 1999-2009: swankvintage.com •• All rights reserved; no reproduction allowed in any form, without prior written consent.