1895.
Cristóbal Balenciaga Eizaguirre is born in Getaria (Gipuzkoa) on January 21. Begins sewing alongside his mother, Martina Eizaguirre, who works as a seamstress for the Marquesa de Casa Torres and other well-heeled families in the area. The marquesa's exquisite taste and collection of dresses from the finest Paris and London fashion houses introduces young Cristóbal to the refined lifestyle of the European elite.
1907. Moves to San Sebastián and begins a period of tailoring apprenticeship at Casa Gómez and New England. In 1911 Balenciaga gains employment at Grandes Almacenes Au Louvre in San Sebastian and in only two years is named head of ladies' dressmaking. While working at Au Louvre, travels frequently to Paris and becomes familiar with the leading fashion houses in the international capital of fashion. In 1914 moves to Bordeaux to work for a reputable tailor’s shop owned by friends.
1917. Opens his own house in San Sebastián at 2 Calle Vergara under the name C. Balenciaga. In 1918, forms partnership with San Sebastián merchants Benita and Daniela Lizaso, injecting new capital into the business; in 1919 formally registers business under the name Balenciaga y Compañía for a period of six years (beginning in January 1918).
1924. After the dissolution of Balenciaga y Compañía, sets up on his own at 2 Avenida de la Libertad under the name Cristóbal Balenciaga. Queen María Cristina and Infanta Isabel Alfonsa become clients of Cristóbal Balenciaga; other ladies of the Spanish royal family and court follow suit. In 1927, founds Eisa Costura, dedicated to traditional quality dressmaking, at 10 Calle Oquendo in San Sebastian.
1931. The proclamation of the Second Republic leads to exile by many of Balenciaga's most distinguished customers, and to a drastic decline in haute couture. In 1932, opens new dressmaking establishment called B. E. Costura in San Sebastian. In 1933, founds new establishment, EISA B. E. Opens house in Madrid and Barcelona.
1936. Outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. Balenciaga leaves the country and sets up in Paris. Suspends regular activities at houses in San Sebastian, Madrid and Barcelona. In July, creates the firm BALENCIAGA in partnership with Nicolás Bizcarrondo and Wladzio d'Attainville. On August 5, presents first haute couture collection at 10 Avenue George V in Paris.
1939. Presents a collection with deep historical influence and clear references to 17th-century fashion and styles of the Second French Empire. His “Infanta” dresses are an overwhelming success. Balenciaga’s 140s collections present features of traditional and historical Spanish fashion, mainly in his spectacular evening wear adorned with magnificent embroidery and passementerie.
1947. Presents the tonneau or barrel line, embarking on a period of experimenting with volume at the waist and back. In 1951 Balenciaga opts again for fluidity and eschews the corseted silhouette in fashion since 1947. Following the principles of the barrel line, he introduces the semi-fitted suit, characterised by volume at the back contrasted with fitted waist at the front.
1955. Balenciaga presents the tunic, a two-piece dress with straight, carefully crafted lines which envelopes the body without restricting motion. The tunic dress is followed in 1957 by the sack dress, another step in the sartorial evolution that began with the barrel line in 1947.
1958. Presents the baby doll dress, featuring a simple trapeze line and the peacock-tail dress, longer at the back than the front. The
French Government awards Balenciaga the title of Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur, in recognition of services to the fashion industry.
1959. Tailored suits feature short jackets and high waists. The Empire line is featured in evening wear.
1960. Designs wedding dress for Fabiola de Mora y Aragón, granddaughter of the Marquesa de Casa Torres and future Queen of Belgium.
1963. Presents a range of elegant casual wear and surprises the public by launching the first line of haute couture boots designed by Mancini. Introduces increasingly purer and more abstract forms.
1968. Designs uniforms for Air France air hostesses. Presents last collection in spring, announces retirement and closes the houses in Paris, Madrid, Barcelona and San Sebastián. Balenciaga gives up haute couture after
fifty years of dedication to his trade.
Dies in Jávea (Alicante) on March 24 and is buried in the small cemetery in his hometown of Getaria.
Coco Chanel asserts "He is the only true couturier among us". Apart from that, Balenciaga teaches fashion design classes, inspiring other designers such as Oscar de la Renta, André Courrèges, Emanuel Ungaro, Mila Schön and Hubert de Givenchy. His work has been exposed in museums like the Metropolitan Museum in New York and, as culmination, Balenciaga Museum opens in Guetaria on June 10, 2011. It is placed on a hilltop where the Marqués and Marquesa of Casa Torres lived. It features some 1,200 pieces.
