Born in 1895, Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga trained as a tailor from the age of 13 and established his first tailoring and dressmaking business in the Basque city of San Sebastian at the tender age of 16. He found international success as a couturier following the opening of his fashion house in Paris in 1937. Balenciaga was well-known for creating finely-tailored chemise dresses, tunics and suits in flattering cuts.
