Cristóbal Balenciaga

In Paris in 1937, after a successful career in Spain, Cristóbal Balenciaga and his partners present his first Parisian haute couture collection; however, the beginnings are more difficult than expected.

In 1940, Balenciaga brings Spanish fabrics to Paris in order to keep his Maison open; a period of hostile and dangerous atmosphere.

After the war ends, Cristóbal Balenciaga is established as one of the kings of Parisian haute couture; but his position is questioned by the unexpected arrival of a new designer, Christian Dior.

Balenciaga faces personal demons and his style is redefined with semi-fitted dresses and the new midi line; poor reproductions of his designs provoke an argument with his partner, Bizkarrondo.

In 1960, Maison Balenciaga is commissioned to design the wedding dress for Fabiola de Mora y Aragón, the future queen of Belgium; however, his privacy is compromised when sketches of the dress are leaked.

At the end of the '60s, Cristóbal achieves his peak stylistic level; but haute couture is starting to suffer due to competition from prêt-à-porter and the decline in the quality of fabrics, which negatively affects sales.