Paving the way for Balencia sunglasses was an arduous journey started by Cristóbal Balenciaga at the turn of the 20th century.
Cristóbal Balenciaga founded Balenciaga in San Sebastian, Spain in 1919. He quickly expanded and opened up several other locations in Madrid and Barcelona. His designs were worn by the elite and became known for their details and attention to the fabric. Balenciaga didn’t move to Paris until the start of the Spanish Civil War.
Upon opening his new couture house in August of 1937, he held his first fashion show featuring designs that were heavily influenced and inspired by the Spanish Renaissance. Over the next two years, brand recognition would grow exponentially with the help of a press that considered him a revolutionary designer. Creating some of the most sought-after designs in the French fashion industry, even magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar took notice and made sure to keep his designs in the limelight.
Customers risked their safety to travel to Europe during World War II to see Balenciaga’s clothing. During this period, he was noted for his “square coat”, with sleeves cut in a single piece with the yoke, and for his designs with black (or black and brown) lace over bright pink fabric. Historians believe that Balenciaga’s continued activity during the Nazi occupation of Paris was made possible by Balenciaga’s connections with Adolf Hitler’s close ally, General Francisco Franco. The company was one of only 60 companies allowed to operate during the occupation, and the ongoing supply of raw materials from Spain, which was in short supply in Paris at the time due to the war, gave Balenciaga a competitive advantage. However, Balenciaga testified that he refused Hitler’s request to transfer his company’s activities to Berlin.
Dolce&Gabbana – DG6160
Dolce&Gabbana – DG2277
Dolce&Gabbana – DG4390
Dolce&Gabbana – DG6160
Dolce&Gabbana – DG2277
Dolce&Gabbana – DG4390
