"The Master," Cristobal Balenciaga is one of the most renowned fashion designer. His creation melted the hearts of royalties and socialites such as the Queen of Spain, the Queen of Belgium, Princess Grace of Monaco, the Duchess of Windsor to Gloria Guinness and Pauline de Rothschild making them all his loyal patron. Courreges, Givenchy, Ungaro and other famous designers had been trained by Balenciaga and they all are proud in regarding him as their mentor.

The designer

Balenciaga was born on the 21^st of January 1985 in a small fishing village of Guetaria in the Basque region of Spain. As a child he spends many times with this mother who is working as a seamstress. His fashion career started when Marquesa de Casa Torres became is proud patron sending him to Madrid for his formal training.

Founding success in this country his creations was loved by the Spanish royal family and the members of the aristocracy. When the Spanish Civil War broke Balenciaga moved to France where he joined the ranks of other talented designers such as Elsa Schiaparelli, Coco Chanel and Mainbocher. His creations are sought after even during the times of war. It has been said that when a woman wearing a Balenciaga walks into a room, there is no other woman there. And that women do not need to be beautiful for his clothes will make them.

Balenciaga today

At present, Balenciaga’s inspiration still stands. Its new creative director is a genius and was proclaimed as the new messiah of fashion. Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga’s new creative director used to work as an assistant to designer Jean-Paul Ghesquière before he was chosen to head Balenciaga at the young age of 25 in 1997. Ghesquière invigorated the house of Balenciaga whilst maintaining Cristobal Balenciaga’s classic, Spanish inspired haute couture style.

The Balenciaga Motorcycle Bag which debuted in the Balenciaga Spring of 2001 collection was designed by Nicolas Ghesquière himself. It is made from Italian calf leather that has a supple and extremely soft character. The bag includes a zipper closure, inside zippered compartment and a wide room for its user’s storage needs. Just like the old days Balenciaga handbags are often spotted worn by powerful women.

Actresses and socialites such as Paris Hilton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Nicole Ricci, Madonna and Lindsay Lohan are loyal patrons. A Balenciaga is not easily available to the common woman.