Balenciaga

Balenciaga is a luxury fashion brand known for its cutting-edge designs and innovative approach to fashion. Founded in 1917 by Cristóbal Balenciaga, a Spanish designer, the brand quickly gained a reputation for its haute couture collections and avant-garde approach to fashion. It's currently headed by its chief executive officer Cédric Charbit.

The early years of Balenciaga were marked by the designer's focus on structure and silhouette. Balenciaga's designs were characterized by their clean lines and precise tailoring, which allowed the garments to stand out in a sea of ornate and fussy designs that were popular at the time. Balenciaga's designs were also notable for their use of innovative fabrics and materials, such as silk gazar, a stiff, lustrous fabric that became a signature of the brand.

Balenciaga's reputation grew throughout the 1930s and 1940s, thanks in part to his association with high-profile clients such as the Duchess of Windsor and Jacqueline Kennedy. However, it was not until the 1950s and 1960s that Balenciaga truly came into its own as a fashion powerhouse.

During this time, Balenciaga's designs became even more experimental and daring. The designer embraced unusual fabrics and shapes, creating designs that were often asymmetrical and highly sculptural. Balenciaga's work during this period was highly influential, and many of the brand's most iconic designs, such as the cocoon coat and the sack dress, were created during this time.

In the 1970s, Balenciaga experienced a decline in popularity, due in part to changing fashion trends and the designer's decision to retire. However, the brand was revived in the 1990s, when it was acquired by the Gucci Group (now Kering). Under the direction of designer Nicolas Ghesquière, the brand once again became a fashion force to be reckoned with.

Ghesquière's tenure at Balenciaga was marked by a focus on innovation and experimentation. He embraced technology, creating designs that were often inspired by the worlds of science fiction and technology. Ghesquière's designs were often characterized by their architectural shapes and unusual fabrics, such as neoprene and latex.

In 2012, Ghesquière left Balenciaga and was replaced by Alexander Wang, a young designer known for his streetwear-inspired designs. Wang's tenure at Balenciaga was marked by a departure from the brand's avant-garde aesthetic and a move towards more commercial designs. 

In July 2015, Balenciaga announced it was parting with creative director Alexander Wang after three years. The Spring/Summer 2016 show was his last, featuring white lounge wear made from soft, natural fabrics. In early October 2015, the brand appointed Demna Gvasalia as its new creative director.