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 Paris in 1940, Chrétien and his partners faced a hostile and dangerous atmosphere generated by the German occupation of France. Faced with this adversity and a shortage of fabrics, many haute couture houses decided to close.

The war has ended, and Cristóbal Balenciaga is established as one of the kings of Parisian haute couture. However, 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, her privacy is compromised when sketches of the dress are leaked.

At the end of the '60s, Cristóbal achieves his peak stylistic level. However, 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.