Cristóbal Balenciaga

Cristóbal Balenciaga

Spain through his eyes

“THE MASTER” OF HAUTE COUTURE

Born in Getaria, in the Basque Country, Cristóbal Balenciaga is one of the most influential designers of the 20th century.His work is inspired by Spain's rich artistic and cultural tradition and reflects the influence of both folklore and the paintings of masters such as Goya, Velázquez, El Greco and Zurbarán. Throughout his career, Balenciaga always sought a continuous renewal of forms, challenging all conventions. His impact on the world of fashion is undeniable and his timeless style that combines tradition with innovation remains relevant today. 

“A fashion designer must be an architect of form, a painter of colour, a musician of harmony and a philosopher of measure”

CRISTÓBAL BALENCIAGA

THE STORY OF A GENIUS

From his beginnings in Getaria to his success in Paris, Balenciaga's career is marked by milestones that redefined haute couture. Discover key moments in the life of Givenchy and Paco Rabanne's mentor.

PLACES THAT INSPIRED HIM

Explore the cities that marked his work, passing through the elegance of Donostia-San Sebastián and the energy of Madrid and Barcelona.

  • The place of birth of the designer is a beautiful town on the Basque coast, famous for its charm, its deep-rooted seafaring traditions and deep bond with Balenciaga. Once there, you cannot miss a visit to the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum.
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  • In 1917, at just 22 years old, Balenciaga opened his first workshop in this city, then a summer destination for the Spanish royal family and European high society. Come and discover this destination that exudes elegance and is famous for its culinary tradition.
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  • In 1933 Balenciaga opened his store at 42 Caballero de Gracia Street. Madrid, with its rich artistic and cultural tradition, profoundly influenced his work. How would you feel about touring the Prado Museum just like Balenciaga did? Madrid always has something to offer.
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  • In 1935 Balenciaga opened a new establishment near Passeig de Gracia, making Barcelona another epicentre of his career. Today you too can let yourself be carried away by the incomparable beauty of Gaudí's works that so characterise this city.
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  • In the 1970s, Balenciaga arrived in Jávea-Xàbia, his last refuge in the Mediterranean. He was attracted by Alicante's fashion and its traditional fabrics, as well as the port and lighthouse of Cabo de la Nao, which reminded him of Getaria. Would you like to discover the beaches with crystal-clear waters of this place?
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Getaria in the Basque Country
San Sebastián, the Basque Country
Gran Vía in Madrid
Barcelona, Catalonia
Jávea- Xàvia in the Region of Valencia

DISCOVER BALENCIAGA'S SPAIN

The designer's history is closely linked to that of his country. His work reflects the essence of his homeland, from the sobriety of Velázquez's portraits to the majesty of traditional clothing. We invite you to delve deeper into this connection through the following guide that explores key moments and places in his biography.

GUIDE
Download now and start the journey
A Guide to Balenciaga's Spain

A VISUAL JOURNEY

Delve deeper into Balenciaga's creative universe through this selection of images. Each piece will bring you closer to the blend of timeless elegance and avant-garde fashion.

Images of the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum archive

8Images of the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum archive © Cristobal Balenciaga Museum

Monument to Fleming, Donostia-San Sebastián

8Short jacket with a round collar and three-quarter sleeves, 1947. Made in Spain, Balenciaga is inspired by the short jackets worn by bullfighters © Cristobal Balenciaga Museoa

Visitor at the “Carácter” exhibition on Balenciaga, Cristobal Balenciaga Museum

8Visitor at the “Carácter” exhibition on Balenciaga, the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum © Cristobal Balenciaga Museum

Set consisting of dress and overskirt. Made in the Paris workshops and presented in the 1956 winter collection

8Set consisting of dress and overskirt. Made in the Paris workshops and presented in the 1956 winter collection © Cristobal Balenciaga Museum

Evening dress. Gazar silk. 1965. This dress was nicknamed “tulip” by the press. A smooth front keeps the focus on the back of the dress, with a large bow in the style of a Japanese kimono

8Evening dress. Gazar silk. 1965. This dress was nicknamed “tulip” by the press. A smooth front keeps the focus on the back of the dress, with a large bow in the style of a Japanese kimono © The Victoria and Albert Museum

Asymmetrical starfish-shaped brooch with eight radial pear-cut crystal ribs, which stretch out from an oval Bohemian crystal

8Asymmetrical starfish-shaped brooch with eight radial pear-cut crystal ribs, which stretch out from an oval Bohemian crystal © Cristobal Balenciaga Museum

Knee-length orange wool crepe daytime dress, with a boat neckline and short sleeves. Paris, circa 1968

8Knee-length orange wool crepe daytime dress, with a boat neckline and short sleeves. Paris, circa 1968 © Cristobal Balenciaga Museum

Visitor at an exhibition of Cristobal Balenciaga outfits at the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum in Getaria

8Visitor at an exhibition of Cristobal Balenciaga outfits at the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum in Getaria © Bilbao Tourism