Pronunciation [bəˌlɛnsiˈɑːɡə]
Etymology named after the founder of the house
Est. 1919, 1986
Founder Cristobal Balenciaga
‘Balenciaga is the first luxury fashion brand to offer such an experimental designer the job of a creative director. Balenciaga is associated with couture, femininity, it must be expensive. Calling Demna was a great decision that brought their business colossal success in the last five years.’
The fashion house with a 100-year history is now headed by Demna Gvasalia, a co-founder of the avant-garde brand, Vetements. For Balenciaga, Gvasalia brought with him his humour and sophisticated futurism. Armed with his signature deconstructionist tools, the designer brings back to life the iconic silhouettes and rich heritage of the house, securing both the sales and headlines.
‘Look at the campaigns they share on IGTV, with people in a business centre going through real-life situations [wearing Balenciaga — ed]. Demna has a global perspective on clothing. He has a particular vision of your entire wardrobe and the silhouettes in it.’