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.
Proenza Schouler Belted Pants in Beige Cotton
By Proenza Schouler
Located in Houston, TX
The Belted Cotton Twill Pants in beige are cut in soft cotton-twill to a relaxed silhouette with a straight leg. High-rise waist with double belt loops. Wide belt with a circular sel...
Brunello Cucinelli Straight-Leg Trousers in Beige Cotton
By Brunello Cucinelli
Located in Houston, TX
Timeless and versatile, the Brunello Cucinelli straight-leg trousers in beige cotton offer a clean, tailored silhouette with a soft, structured finish. Crafted from premium cotton, t...
Vince Twill Bermuda Shorts in Beige Cotton
By Vince
Located in Houston, TX
This bermuda shorts is perfect for the summer. Made with cotton and is lightweight. Pair with sneakers or sandals. Vince Twill Bermuda Shorts in Beige Cotton Color: beige Material: ...
A.P.C. Lawrence Chinos in Beige Cotton
By A.P.C.
Located in Houston, TX
The A.P.C. Lawrence Chinos in beige cotton offer a sleek, straight-fit design with a mid-rise waist for understated sophistication. Functional side and back pockets are complemented ...
The Row High-Rise Flared Trousers in Beige Wool
By The Row
Located in Houston, TX
Refine your wardrobe with the effortlessly chic The Row High-Rise Flared Trousers in beige wool. Designed with an impeccable balance of elegance and comfort, these trousers feature a...
Haider Ackermann Tailored Pants in Grey Viscose
By Haider Ackermann
Located in Houston, TX
Haider Ackermann is inspired by the contrast between classic elegance and contemporary street style. It is shown with this tailored pants. It has a pleated design, two front side p...
2023 Balenciaga convertible flared cargo pants
By Balenciaga
Located in Milano, Lombardia
2023 Balenciaga convertible flared cargo pants These Balenciaga cargo pants from 2023 showcase the brand’s experimental approach to utilitarian garments. Crafted from cotton, the de...
Vintage Chanel Size 8 / 10 Early 1990s Khaki Cotton Cargo Pants Gold CC Buttons
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
These vintage Chanel cargo pants from the early 1990s combine the brand’s signature luxury detailing with a utilitarian silhouette. Designed by Karl Lagerfeld, cut from soft khaki cotton, they feature a straight-leg fit with front pleats and side cargo pockets, bridging the shift from the fuller 1980s silhouette into the relaxed minimalism of the 1990s. The standout detail is the gold-tone CC logo buttons, a hallmark of late 1980s Chanel design, found at the waistband, cargo pockets, and rear welt pockets. The juxtaposition of utility styling with couture-level finishing embodies Karl Lagerfeld’s era at the house, where everyday pieces were elevated with unmistakable Chanel codes. Marked a vintage size, best fits like a modern US 8–10. The pants measure: • 31-inch waist • 45-inch hip • 11.5-inch rise • 30-inch inseam A rare find for collectors of Chanel ready-to-wear, these trousers balance function and elegance, pairing effortlessly with a crisp white shirt, silk blouse, or tailored jacket. ⸻ Key Features: • Designer: Chanel • Era: Early 1990s (with late 1980s CC button hardware) • Style: Cargo pants with pleated front • Color: Khaki • Fabric: 100% cotton • Hardware: Gold-tone CC logo buttons • Fit: Straight leg, high rise • Details: Side cargo pockets, rear welt pockets, belt loops • Size: Fits modern US 8–10 (see measurements) • Measurements: See above • Made in France early 1990s Chanel pants, vintage Chanel cargo, Chanel CC button trousers, khaki cotton Chanel pants, Chanel straight leg pants, Chanel pleated cargo trousers, 80s Chanel buttons, vintage Chanel clothing, Chanel khaki trousers, luxury vintage Chanel pants
CELINE khaki military green linen & cotton CARGO Pants 38 S
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Celine cargo pant is crafted from khaki green cotton (86%) and linen (14%), combining structure with breathable ease. Designed with a low-rise waist and straight-...
HAIDER ACKERMANN Size 32 Khaki Cotton Pleated Cropped Casual Pants
By Haider Ackermann
Located in San Francisco, CA
HAIDER ACKERMANN casual pants in a khaki cotton twill featuring a pleated style, cropped leg, and zip fly closure.Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: IT 48 Measurements: ...
Celine Women Cargo Pants Size 40 US8 Green Kaki Lightweight Nylon Gold Hardware
By Celine
Located in Miami, FL
- Kaki green exterior - Quilted cargo nylon pants - Tagged size 40 - Gold colored hardware Condition: The pants are in overall decent condition with no major imperfections ...
2003 Dolce & Gabbana multi pocket full zip utility cargo pants
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Milano, Lombardia
2003 Dolce & Gabbana multi-pocket utility cargo pants These 2003 Dolce & Gabbana cargo pants combine military-inspired utility with the house's refined tailoring. Crafted from dura...
