Balenciaga wasn’t always about those abstract and mysterious vibes, but guess what? This brand has come a long way since its launch in 1919 by the visionary Cristobal Balenciaga in San Sebastian, Spain! Starting as a chic couture house, Balenciaga is now a total game-changer in the fashion scene, always serving fresh looks and redefining style!
Cristobal was a true trailblazer, known for his daring silhouettes and innovative tailoring techniques that pushed the boundaries of traditional fashion. His designs boasted sculptural shapes and vibrant colours, earning him the title of ‘the master of us all’ from fellow fashion icons like Christian Dior and Coco Chanel.
History of Creative Directors of Balenciaga
Cristobal Balenciaga (1917-1968)
When Balenciaga’s father passed away, his mother took charge and supported the family as a seamstress. At just 11, the future fashion legend discovered his love for design, and by 12, he was off on an exciting journey, diving into a tailoring firm for some serious professional training!
Unlike most designers who love the spotlight, Balenciaga was all about that low-key vibe! He famously skipped the curtain call at his fashion shows, never stepping out to take a bow. This elusive style added to his cool mystique, letting his groundbreaking designs do all the talking. Rather than soaking up the limelight, he focused on creating jaw-dropping pieces that flipped fashion norms upside down.
Later, however, the brand was acquired by a company that owned the perfume line, and it experienced a decline in its fashion relevance. Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Balenciaga was primarily focused on fragrances.
Michel Goma – 1987 to 1992
In 1987, Goma was appointed as the artistic director of Balenciaga and his role at Balenciaga marked a significant turning point in his career. He modernised the brand’s image by introducing sleek, minimalistic designs while staying true to its rich heritage. His collections during this period were met with critical acclaim and helped Balenciaga regain its status as an iconic fashion house.
His fresh approach brought a wave of excitement, captivating fashionistas everywhere and proving that Balenciaga was back in the game!
Josephus Thimister – 1992 to 1997
Born to parents of Russian, Belgian, and French descent in Maastricht, Netherlands in 1962, Thimister knew of his passion for design at the age of four.
In 1992, Thimister advanced towards Balenciaga where he would hold the position as artistic director of luxury women’s Pret-a-Porter (Ready to wear) and accessories for over half a decade.
His time at Balenciaga was marked by a revival of the label's couture roots, blending classic elements with contemporary style. Although he faced challenges during his tenure and left the brand in 1997, Thimister’s contributions helped lay the groundwork for the brand’s future direction and solidified Balenciaga’s reputation as a forward-thinking fashion house.
It was said that at Balenciaga, he contributed through his minimalist style and great skills in cutting in modernising the house’s image.
Nicolas Ghesquière – 1997 to 2012
Nicolas Ghesquière is a French Belgian fashion designer who grew up in Loudun, Vienne. From a young age, he was all about sports—think horse riding, fencing, and swimming! You can see that athletic vibe in his collections, especially in his iconic scuba mini dresses and the equestrian-inspired pieces from his Fall/Winter 2006 ready-to-wear line.
In 1997, at just 25, Ghesquière was the surprise pick to take the reins at Balenciaga after the previous creative director, Josephus Thimister, was let go following a rough show. With big shoes to fill, he was in charge of everything—clothing, accessories, store design, you name it! And he had less than four months to whip up the Spring/Summer 1998 collection from scratch.
Ghesquière quickly made waves with his bold sense of contrast, mixing high-waisted skinny pants with voluminous blousons or pairing form-fitting wool jumpsuits with billowing sleeves. His innovative approach turned Balenciaga into a fashion darling, earning rave reviews and a loyal following. One of his standout hits? The Lariat bag, featuring braided handles and fun, dangling zipper pulls. Through it all, Ghesquière stayed true to Cristóbal Balenciaga’s original design spirit, revitalising the brand in the ’90s with a fresh, avant-garde vision that continues to inspire today!
Alexander Wang – 2012 to 2015
Alexander Wang is a total fashion superstar! Born in 1983 in San Francisco to Taiwanese immigrant parents, he found his groove early on and went on to study at Parsons School of Design. He launched his own label in 2007, and boom—he was instantly the talk of the town with his edgy, urban vibes.
In 2012, Wang stepped into the spotlight as the creative director of Balenciaga, taking over from Nicolas Ghesquiere. This was a major power move! He brought a fresh, street-inspired flair to the iconic brand, mixing high-fashion elegance with a cool, laid-back aesthetic. His collections were all about sleek silhouettes and minimalist colours that hit just right with the younger crowd.
Wang introduced dope accessories like the “City” bag, which quickly became a must-have for fashionistas everywhere. He played with innovative materials and construction techniques, pushing the envelope and keeping things super fresh.
During his time at Balenciaga, which lasted until 2015, he turned heads and dropped jaws, striking the perfect balance between the brand’s heritage and his own unique style. After leaving, he continued to slay the fashion scene with his own label, solidifying his status as a major player in the game.
Demna Gvasalia – 2015 to present
Demna Gvasalia is a Georgian fashion designer, currently the creative director of Balenciaga and the co-founder of Vetements.
Demna Gvasalia, the creative force behind Balenciaga, is a true game-changer in the fashion world! Born in Georgia in 1981, Demna studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, where his innovative spirit began to shine. He first made waves at Maison Margiela before taking the helm at Balenciaga in 2015, completely transforming the brand.
With a flair for the unexpected, Demna combines high fashion with streetwear vibes, giving oversized silhouettes, deconstructed pieces, and jaw-dropping materials that challenge traditional notions of luxury. His collections are not just about clothes; they’re bold statements that dive into contemporary culture, identity, and consumerism.
Demna’s runway shows are nothing short of theatrical spectacles, where fashion meets art, leaving audiences both inspired and intrigued. Under his creative direction, Balenciaga has become a must-watch label, captivating fashion lovers worldwide and continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in style. With each collection, Demna invites us to rethink fashion, making him one of the most exciting and influential figures in the industry today!
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