Cristóbal Balenciaga was born on January 21st, 1895, in Basque Country, Spain. He opened his Paris couture house on avenue George V in August 1937. His often creations included funnel-shape gowns of stiff satin worn by clients such as fashion icon, Pauline de Rothschild, Italian American princess, Marella Agnelli, and socialite Gloria Guinness (just to name a few).

[Spring 2006]

These gowns were considered masterworks of haute couture in the 1950s and 1960s. Hubert de Givenchy was his protégé. He closed his house in 1968 after being disappointed with the arrival of prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear), which was being introduced by the French.

[Fall 2006]

John F. Kennedy was upset with Jackie Kennedy for buying Balenciaga's expensive creations while he was President for fear that the American public might think the purchases were too extravagant. Her haute couture bills were eventually paid by her father-in-law, Joseph Kennedy.

[Spring 2007]

He taught fashion design classes, inspiring other designers such as Oscar de la Renta. Today the Balenciaga fashion house is going under the direction of Nicolas Ghesquière and under the ownership of the Gucci Group. He died on March 23, 1972 in Valencia, Spain.

[Fall 2007]

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