Founded in San Sebastian, Spain in 1918 the House of Balenciaga relocated to Paris in 1937 during the Spanish Civil war. Almost immediately Cristóbal was hailed as "the couturier of couturiers." Current designer Nicolas Ghesquiere, has revitalized the company with a youthful aesthetic, introducing the famous motorcycle inspired handbags. He was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential people of 2005.
