Balenciaga has been a leader in the field of women’s fashion design for almost 200 years.  The House of Balenciaga has always embodied Parisian elegance and its founder Cristobal Balenciaga was hailed as ‘The Couturier of Couturiers’ and ‘The Master of us all’’ by designer Christian Dior. 

He’s famously quoted as saying  

A couturier must be...
an architect for design
a sculptor for shape
a painter for colour
a musician for harmony
and
a philosopher for temperance   

Since Nicolas Ghesquiere was hired by the House as creative director in 1995 it's now well on its way towards recreating the influence and respect the house commanded in its former heydays.  The philosophy of Cristobal Balenciaga can be seen in the beautiful ready to wear and accessory collections the brand is renowned for today.