Contextual Studies - Historical

Balenciaga was born in Guetaria, Spain. Where he grew up spending time with his mother working as a seamstress . At the age of 12 he started working as a tailor then in his early teens was sent away to Madrid to be formally trained.

Balenciaga was successful during his early career as a designer in Spain opening a boutique in 1919. But it wasn't till the post-war years that he as a designer really kicked off. In 1951 , he totally transformed the silhouette, broadening the shoulder and removing the waist. Balenciaga always seemed to be several steps ahead and had what VOGUE called “flame of prophecy”.