The Balenciaga brand was founded in 1917 by the Spanish fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga in San Sebastián, Spain. Known for his avant-garde creations, Balenciaga revolutionized haute couture in the 1950s with innovative silhouettes such as the "egg shape" and the "baby doll" dress. Today, the brand is based in Paris and has been part of the French luxury goods group Kering since 2001. Under current Creative Director Demna Gvasalia, the style has shifted significantly towards streetwear and provocative, often oversized designs. Balenciaga is known for its playful use of proportions and the incorporation of everyday objects into its collections. Despite controversies and polarizing campaigns, Balenciaga remains one of the most influential and talked-about luxury brands of our time. It enjoys particular popularity among the younger generation and celebrities and is a symbol of modern, unconventional fashion.