Cristobal Balenciaga Eisaguirre was a Spanish fashion designer who drastically influenced the dramatic 1960’s fashion. He favored working with dense, inflexible fabrics which gave his clothing a sculptural facade. Due to this preference, his 1960 sack dress was replicated by other designers.

Some of Balenciaga’s clients included: the Queen of Spain, the Queen of Belgium, the Duchess of Windsor, and Princess Grace of Monaco, who were all frequently renowned as the best-dressed women in the world.

The Balenciaga fashion house is still standing today, managed by Nicolas Ghesquiere and owned by the Gucci Group. Balenciaga is internationally recognized for their couture cut clothing and stunning cult fave handbags. Officially founded in 1937, the current fashions of Balenciaga still stay true to its original approach of classic, sleek, and elegant styles.