Cristóbal Balenciaga

21 January 1895 – 23 March 1972

Cristóbal Balenciaga was a Spanish couturier and the founder of the Balenciaga fashion house, revered as a master of tailoring and construction. Contemporaries such as Christian Dior called him 'the master of us all.' He was celebrated for innovative silhouettes including the tunic, sack, and balloon dresses.

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Life events

Born in Getaria, Spain
21 January 1895

Cristóbal Balenciaga was born in the Basque fishing town of Getaria.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Opened his first boutique in San Sebastián
1917

Balenciaga launched his own dressmaking establishment in Spain.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Expanded to boutiques in Madrid and Barcelona
1933

He grew his Spanish fashion business under the name Eisa.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Moved to Paris and opened his couture house
1937

Fleeing the Spanish Civil War, Balenciaga established his house on Avenue George V in Paris.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Launched the fragrance Le Dix
1947

Balenciaga introduced perfumes, extending his brand beyond couture.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Introduced the tunic dress and barrel line
1955

Balenciaga pioneered new looser silhouettes that liberated the female form.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Presented the sack dress
1957

His waistless sack dress became one of his most influential innovations.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Closed his fashion house and retired
1968

Balenciaga abruptly shut his couture houses and retired from fashion.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Xàbia, Spain
23 March 1972

Cristóbal Balenciaga died of a heart attack in Valencia, Spain, at age 77.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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