1918 saw the founding of Cristobal Balenciagas first haute couture house in San Sabastian, Spain.
Local admiration for his designs was so strong that a second haute couture house was opened in Madrid and a third in Barcelona.
In 1937, 10, Avenue George V became the Parisian home of Cristobal Balenciagas creative influence. Balenciagas Paris flagship store is still located at this address.
Balenciaga soon came to embody Parisian elegance.
Cristobal Balenciaga was hailed as The Couturier of Couturiers and The Master of us all by designer Christian Dior.
In 1946, the House of Balenciaga launched its first perfume, Le Dix, aptly named after its first atelier, 10, Avenue George V. Le Dix attracted the same acclaim as the famous Balenciaga couture pieces, and the perfume soon even rivalled that of Coco Chanel herself.
In 1968, Balenciaga closed his couture house, to the deep dismay of his favourite clients. Countess Mona Bismarck lamented the event by locking herself indoors for three days.