Starting as a modest boutique, Balenciaga evolved to transform the landscape of women’s fashion with shapes and contours during the middle of the 20th century that were nothing less than groundbreaking. Today, the brand is as venturesome as ever and is well known for its shoes, handbags, sneakers, streetwear and other clothing and accessories.
Though he was born in the quiet fishing village of Getaria in Spain’s Basque region, Cristóbal Balenciaga (1895–1972) was destined to reshape modern fashion. As a child, he worked alongside his seamstress mother. Showing immense talent, he earned commissions as a teenager from local patron Marquesa de Casa Torres, who paid for his tailoring education in Madrid. In 1917, he established his first haute couture house — named Eisa, for his mother — in the trendy resort town San Sebastián. He soon followed it with boutiques in Madrid and Barcelona, drawing such clientele as the Spanish royal family.
When the Spanish Civil War put a hold on his prospects in Spain, the designer moved to Paris, opening a house on Avenue Georges V in 1937. There, Balenciaga rubbed elbows with fashion greats like Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli and quickly won over clients like Gloria Guinness, Pauline de Rothschild and Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor.
As a couturier, Balenciaga drew from his Spanish heritage for ideas, riffing on everything from matador costumes and flamenco dresses to the paintings of Diego Velázquez, whose portraits of Spanish princesses famously inspired Balenciaga’s Infanta gown.
An expert tailor, he experimented with sculptural silhouettes that didn’t follow the body. Some of his notable designs include the 1953 balloon jacket, and from 1957, the cocoon coat, the baby-doll dress and the sack dress, which he popularized with his good friend designer Hubert de Givenchy. All of these could be considered not just the masterpieces of haute couture, but also objets d’art in their own right, leading to Balenciaga’s nickname, “The Master.”
Balenciaga continued designing until 1968, when he retired after three decades of influential work and his fashion house went dormant. The rights to Balenciaga were acquired by Jacques Bogart S.A. in 1986. Under designer Michel Goma, who focused on ready-to-wear, the brand experienced a resurgence, with his first collection introduced in 1987.
The brand returned to high fashion with the arrival of designer Josephus Thimister in 1992. It has since been led by a series of creative directors who have paid homage to Balenciaga’s iconic designs, including Nicolas Ghesquière, Alexander Wang and, most recently, Demna Gvasalia. In 2011, a museum celebrating Balenciaga’s legacy opened in his hometown in Spain, commemorating where it all began.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Balenciaga crossbody bags, tote bags, day dresses, shirts and more.
BALENCIAGA By NICOLAS GHESQUIÈRE F/W 2008 Runway Futuristic Heels
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in Berlin, BE
Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière Fall Winter 2008 Architectural Pumps Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Nicolas Ghesquière Collection / Year: Fall Winter 2008 Material: Patent leather, le...
BALENCIAGA black mesh & rubber TRACK Sneakers Shoes 38
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Balenciaga Track sneakers are crafted from black recycled mesh and feature interwoven rubber accents for a bold, dynamic...
BALENCIAGA black Arena leather CAGOLE 70 Mule Sandals Shoes 38 fit 39
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balenciaga Cagole 70 mules in black Arena lambskin featuring aged-silver studs and buckles on the upper. Have been worn once or twice ...
BALENCIAGA black leather STRAPPY Sandals Shoes 38
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balenciaga sandals in black smooth calfskin with metal buckle closure on the side. Have been worn once inside and are in virtually new condition. Come with dust bag. ...
$307Sale Price|55% Off
Balenciaga Triple S Clear Sole Sneakers Fuchsia Pink 36
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
Super rare, Balenciaga Triple S clear sole sneakers in Fuchsia colourway. Worn twice. Come with dustbag. Made from bright pink leather and mesh, they have signature super chunky desi...
$323Sale Price|40% Off
Balenciaga Triple S Trainers Sneakers Turquoise Grey
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
Super rare, Balenciaga Triple S sneakers in Turquoise Grey colourway. Worn once. Come with dustbag. Made from turquoise, pearl grey and white leather and mesh, they have signature su...
BALENCIAGA 2022 Runway Waders 90mm black leather flared shaft pointy boots EU
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA 2022 Runway Waders 90mm black leather exaggerated flared shaft pointy heeled boots EU37 Reference: TGAS/F00676 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Waders 90mm Boot Co...
BALENCIAGA Cagole blue denim printed leather silver stud moto tall boots EU37
By Miuccia Prada, Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Cagole blue denim printed leather silver stud moto tall boots EU37 Reference: TGAS/F00154 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Cagole Material: Leather Color: Blue Pat...
Balenciaga Metallic Silver Heels, Circa 1960s
By Balenciaga
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful & rare Balenciaga silver leather slingback kitten heels. Cut-out vamp with a decorative button at the center. Handmade leather. ★ An amazing piece of fashion history! C...
Balenciaga Black Leather Bootie Wedges - 41.5
By Balenciaga
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Balenciaga Black Leather Bootie Wedges - 41.5. These shoes are in very good condition with minimal wear on the leather and wear on the sole.
BALENCIAGA black distressed suede leather elastic flat boots
By Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquière
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA black distressed suede leather elastic flat boots Reference: PRWU/A00119 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Nicolas Ghesquiere Material: Leather Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closu...
BALENCIAGA 2008 Runway smooth black leather horn cone heel platform boots EU37.5
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA 2008 Runway smooth black leather horn cone heel platform boots EU37.5 Reference: ASMK/A00039 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Nicolas Ghesquiere Collection: 2008 - Runway Mater...
BALENCIAGA Demna Knife Mules burgundy satin bow pointy kitten heels EU38.5
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Demna Knife Mules burgundy satin bow pointy kitten heels EU38.5 Reference: CNPG/A00125 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Knife Mules Material: Satin Color: Burgundy...
BALENCIAGA Essex 80 black leather gold buckle ankle boots EU36
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Essex 80 black leather gold buckle ankle boots EU36 Reference: TGAS/F00158 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Essex 80mm Material: Leather Color: Black, Gold Pattern...
rare BALENCIAGA Demna 2024 Runway Biker Pantashoes black red motocross boot EU41
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare BALENCIAGA Demna 2024 Runway Biker Pantashoes black red motocross molded ribbed boots EU41 Reference: TGAS/G00109 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Biker Pantashoes Colle...
BALENCIAGA Speed black white red logo laced sock sneakers EU40
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Speed black white red logo laced sock sneakers EU40 Reference: CELE/A00011 Brand: Balenciaga Model: Speed Material: Fabric Color: Black, White Pattern: Solid Closure: Lace...
BALENCIAGA black calfskin leather elongated toe box block heel pump EU37
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA black calfskin leather elongated toe box block heel pump EU37 Reference: TGAS/F00206 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Material: Leather Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closur...
BALENCIAGA Knife neon pink lycra pointed sock boots EU38 Kim Kardashian
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Knife neon pink lycra pointed sock boots EU38 Kim Kardashian Reference: BSHW/A00182 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Knife As seen on: Kim Kardashian Material: Fab...
BALENCIAGA Speed black fabric neon yellow sole sock sneakers EU37
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Speed black fabric neon yellow sole sock sneakers EU37 Reference: CELE/A00009 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Speed Material: Fabric Color: Black, Neon Yellow Pat...
BALENCIAGA Triple S black mesh white red triple sole chunky sneaker EU37
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Triple S black mesh white red triple sole chunky sneaker EU37 Reference: MELK/A00225 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Trip...
BALENCIAGA Triple S silver distressed stacked midsole chunky sneakers EU36
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Triple S silver distressed stacked midsole chunky sneakers EU36 Reference: JACG/A00186 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Triple S Material: Leather, Mesh Color: Mul...
BALENCIAGA BB Knife gold logo red black plaid wool sling kitten pump EU38.5
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA BB Knife gold logo red black plaid wool sling kitten pump EU38.5 Reference: KEDG/A00206 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: BB Knife Material: Wool Color: Red Pattern...
Balenciaga Le Cagole Pink Arena Leather Boots vintage vibe EU 39 US 9 Box Set
By Balenciaga
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Balenciaga Le Cagole Boots – The Ultimate Masterpiece of Modern Y2K Luxury Make an unforgettable fashion statement with the highly coveted Le Cagole knee-high boots from Balenciaha....
BALENCIAGA Hourglass leather sculptural curved heel knife point ankle boots EU37
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Hourglass black leather sculptural curved heel knife point ankle boots EU37 Reference: TGAS/F00430 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Hourglass Material: Leather Col...
Balenciaga Black Leather & Suede Ankle Boots Size 40
By Balenciaga
Located in Krakow, PL
Balenciaga Leather & Suede Ankle Boots Size 40 Description Sophisticated Balenciaga ankle boots crafted from smooth leather and suede in a timeless black color. Featuring a sleek...
Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere Runway S/S 2008 Gladiator Woven Knee Boots
By Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquière
Located in London, GB
BALENCIAGA BY NICOLAS GHESQUIERE RUNWAY S/S 2008 GLADIATOR WOVEN KNEE BOOTS SIZE 36 EU Extremely rare runway piece from Balenciaga S/S 2008 collection by Nicholas Ghesquiere. Black...
BALENCIAGA Knife neon pink lycra pointed sock boots EU38 Kim Kardashian
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Knife neon pink lycra pointed sock boots EU38 Kim Kardashian Reference: BSHW/A00182 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Knife As seen on: Kim Kardashian Material: Fab...
$684Sale Price|20% Off
Balenciaga Gray Sequin Pointed Toe Pumps EU 39 Stiletto Heel 11.5 cm
By Balenciaga
Located in Krakow, PL
A glamorous pair of Balenciaga pumps covered in shimmering gray sequins, creating an elegant statement finish with a distinctly sophisticated evening aesthetic. The shoes feature a s...
BALENCIAGA Runway Demna Pantashoe black logo high heel boots pants IT38 EU37
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Runway Demna Pantashoe black logo high heel boots pants IT38 EU37 Reference: TGAS/C01414 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: 542109 TDL44 1262 Collection: Pantashoe -...
Balenciaga, Triple S trainers in pink
By Balenciaga
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balenciaga, Triple S trainers in pink. The item is in good condition. Small stain on the fabric. CONDITION: good condition SIZE: 35 INSOLE MEASUREMENTS: 23 cm HEEL MEASUREMENTS:...
Balenciaga Triple S Leather, Nubuck & Mesh Distressed Sneakers
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
Balenciaga Triple S Leather, Nubuck & Mesh Distressed Sneakers 'Blue Red' version of signature Tripe S sneakers crafted in mesh, nubuck and leather with hiking-style laces and dual ...
Balenciaga Speed Trainer High-Top Sock Sneakers
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
Balenciaga Speed Trainer High-Top Sock Sneakers Dark navy sock sneakers crafted from technical 3D knit fabric. Featuring white 'BALENCIAGA' signature to the side and black chunky, ...
Balenciaga Speed Sneakers in Black Polyester
By Balenciaga
Located in Houston, TX
Frame your feet with a touch of luxury in these sneakers. Constructed from durable materials, they exhibit sock-style, fabric insoles and rest on rubber soles. Balenciaga Speed S...
BALENCIAGA Chevreau Brilliant noir leather sculpted platform heeled pumps EU37
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Chevreau Brilliant black noir calf leather sculpted platform heeled pumps EU37 Reference: MELK/A00333 Brand: Balenciaga Model: Chevreau Brilliant Material: Leather, Wood C...
New Balenciaga Purple Reflective Sunglasses With Case
By Balenciaga
Located in Conroe, TX
Balenciaga Sunglasses Brand New * Stunning Slightly Mirrored Lenses * Light & Dark Purple Frames * Frame Width 6.5” * Frame Height 2.25” * BB Gold Details on Temples * Made in It...
Balenciaga Speed Trainers in Clearsole Yellow Fluo Polyester
By Balenciaga
Located in Houston, TX
Highlight your unique style with these sleek and stylish speed runner sneakers by Balenciaga. Breathable knit fabric in a sock style makes them perfect for running, or just going out...
BALENCIAGA Size EU 37 Knife Black Velvet Pointed Toe Boots
By Balenciaga
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALENCIAGA "Knife" boots in a black velvet featuring a pointed toe, ankle height, and stiletto heel. Made in Italy. New without Box. Marked: 37 Measurements: Length: 9.5 inches Wi...
BALENCIAGA Size EU 41 Black Brown Mixed Fabrics Nylon Rubber Sole Sneakers
By Balenciaga
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALENCIAGA "Triple S" sneakers in black suede and nylon fabrics featuring an athletic style and chunky rubber sole. Made in China (photographed label). Very Good Pre-Owned Condition...
BALENCIAGA Size 9 Purple Leather Lace Up Sneakers
By Balenciaga
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALENCIAGA 'Triple S' sneakers in a purple leather featuring a low top style, chunky sole, and a lace up closure. Very Good Pre-owned Condition. Marked: UK8 EUR42 USA9 JP27.5 Outs...
BALENCIAGA Size 8 White Distressed Canvas Lace Up Sneakers
By Balenciaga
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALENCIAGA 'F2024 Paris Ultra Flat' sneakers in a white canvas featuring a high top style, distressed look, and a lace up closure. Made in Italy. Very Good Pre-owned Condition. Mar...
BALENCIAGA Size 12 Navy Black Mesh Runner Sneakers
By Balenciaga
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALENCIAGA sneakers in a navy mesh material featuring a sock like style, high top, and a lace up closure. Item has dust bag. Made in Italy. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: 1...
BALENCIAGA Size 12 Black Mesh Runner Sneakers
By Balenciaga
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALENCIAGA sneakers in a black mesh material featuring a sock like style, high top, and a lace up closure. Item has dust bag. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: 12 Outsole: 13...
Balenciaga Black Leather Suede Heeled Boots Sz. 40
By Balenciaga
Located in Krakow, PL
Balenciaga Leather & Suede Heeled Boots Size 40 Description Elegant Balenciaga boots crafted from smooth leather and suede in classic black. Featuring a sculptural heel, almond toe, ...
BALENCIAGA Size 11 Track 3 Green Olive Leather Nylon Lace-Up Sneakers
By Balenciaga
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALENCIAGA "Track 3" sneakers in an olive green leather and nylon fabric featuring a chunky athletic style, chunky rubber sole, and lace-up closure. Comes with dust bag and box. Exc...
BALENCIAGA 2017 Tess emerald satin silver sequin open toe flat sandals EU37
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA 2017 Tess emerald green satin silver sequin open toe flat sandals EU37 Reference: NKLL/A00703 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Tess Collection: SS 2017 - Runway Ma...
rare BALENCIAGA Runway Demna Pantashoe logo high heel boots pants IT38 EU37
By Balenciaga, Miuccia Prada
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare BALENCIAGA Runway Demna Pantashoe black logo high heel boots pants IT38 EU37 Reference: TGAS/F00211 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Collection: 2018 - Runway Material: Polyami...
Balenciaga Black Pebbled Leather Knee-High Heeled Boots With Buckle Details
By Balenciaga
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These Balenciaga Black Pebbled Leather Knee-High Heeled Boots with Buckle Details are the perfect statement piece for any fashion-forward wardrobe. Crafted from luxurious pebbled lea...
Balenciaga Beige Suede Cut-Out Sandal Heels - EU 40
By Balenciaga
Located in Amman, JO
Balenciaga Beige Suede Cut-Out Sandal Heels Minimal yet statement-making, these Balenciaga suede sandal heels feature a sculptural cut-out design with soft fringe detailing for a mo...
BALENCIAGA sky blue logo embossed rubber platform chunky slides EU38
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA sky blue logo embossed rubber platform chunky slides EU38 Reference: LNKO/A02362 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Mono Material: Rubber Color: Blue Pattern: Solid ...
BALENCIAGA Runway Demna Pantashoe black floral heel boots pants IT38 EU37
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Runway Demna Pantashoe black floral heel boots pants IT38 EU37 Reference: TGAS/C01398 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Pantashoe Collection: Runway Material: Polya...
BALENCIAGA Triple S black mesh white red triple sole chunky sneaker EU37
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Triple S black mesh white red triple sole chunky sneaker EU37 Reference: MELK/A00225 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Triple S Material: Mesh, Rubber Color: Black,...
BALENCIAGA Chunky green debossed logo rubber platform pool slides EU36
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Chunky green debossed logo rubber platform pool slides EU36 Reference: ALCU/A00041 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Chunky Material: Rubber Color: Green Pattern: S...
Grey Balenciaga Pointed-Toe Heeled Over-The-Knee Boots Size 39.5
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
Grey leather pointed-toe heeled over-the-knee boots by Balenciaga. Foldover tops. 17" shaft height, 4" heel height. Designer Size: 39.5 US Recommended Size: 9.5
Balenciaga Purple Textile Over-the-Knee Stiletto Boots EU 37
By Balenciaga
Located in Krakow, PL
Balenciaga Knife Purple Textile Over-the-Knee Boots EU 37 Iconic Balenciaga Knife over-the-knee boots crafted from stretch purple textile, featuring the signature sharply pointed toe...
BALENCIAGA Knife blue denim trompe loeil pointy heeled boots EU36
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Knife blue denim trompe loeil pointy heeled boots EU36 Reference: TGAS/F00157 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Knife Material: Fabric Color: Blue Pattern: Photogra...
BALENCIAGA 2012 Runway blue emboss black leather lace up high heel booties EU36
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA 2012 Runway blue emboss black leather lace up high heel booties EU36 Reference: ASMK/A00038 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Nicolas Ghesquiere Collection: FW 2012 - Runway Mat...
BALENCIAGA black suede STUDDED WEDGE Sandals Shoes 41
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic BBalenciaga wegdes in black suede with light gold-tone metal studs. Brand new. Measurements Imprinted Size 41 Shoe Size 41 Inside Sole 26.5cm (10.3in) Width 8.5cm (3...
BALENCIAGA Demna Knife sequins point toe stiletto sock ankle boots EU36
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Demna Knife gold holographic sequins point toe stiletto sock ankle boots EU36 Reference: ASMK/A00009 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Knife Material: Fabric Color:...
Balenciaga x Adidas Triple S LIMITED EDITION Sneakers White EU 35 US 5 - NWOB
By Balenciaga
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Balenciaga x Adidas Triple S LIMITED EDITION Sneakers White EU 35 US 5 - NWOB Balenciaga x Adidas Triple S Collaboration Sneakers New WITHOUT box. slight yellow discoloration as sh...
BALENCIAGA Runway Demna Pantashoe black logo high heel boots pants IT38 EU37
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Runway Demna Pantashoe black logo high heel boots pants IT38 EU37 Reference: TGAS/C01414 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: 542109 TDL44 1262 Collection: Pantashoe -...