The history of the Balenciaga fashion house, from its founding by Cristóbal Balenciaga in Spain to its modern iteration. Cristóbal's early success, marked by innovative designs and high-end clientele, was interrupted by political upheaval, leading him to relocate to Paris and achieve international renown. After his death and the closure of his couture house, the brand faced challenges before its revival as a ready-to-wear line. Subsequent creative directors, including Nicolas Ghesquière and Demna Gvasalia, significantly shaped Balenciaga's evolution, leveraging both its heritage and contemporary trends to achieve continued success and a recent, highly anticipated return to couture.