Balenciaga

Founded in 1919 by the eponymous Cristóbal Balenciaga, the house of Balenciaga has long been the haute couture playground for fashion’s most daring avant-gardists. Known for its sculptural silhouettes and architectural prowess, Balenciaga's history is a litany of dramatic reinventions and high fashion stunts. Its defining moments include the 2017 revival under the reign of Demna Gvasalia, who transformed the brand into the high priestess of streetwear chic with over-the-top designs like the infamous "Trash Pouch" bag and heels that defy physics. With a valuation hovering around $10 billion, Balenciaga struts through the fashion world’s elite circles like a well-cut blazer—unapologetic and always on point. Its awards are as numerous as its controversies; the brand’s recent scandals—particularly its ill-advised “BDSM” campaign and a botched ad featuring children—have fueled a media frenzy that’s both a testament to its cultural clout and a reminder of its penchant for pushing boundaries too far. Today, Demna remains the brand’s provocative creative force, steering Balenciaga through its tumultuous, ever-evolving narrative with both audacity and audaciously good taste.