The brand was founded in 1917, when Cristóbal Balenciaga opened his first store in Saint Sébastien. In 1951, his Cocoon collection debuted. Cristóbal died in 1972, but his legacy can be seen in designs for women also today. Demna Gvasalia, the brand's item creative director appointed in 2015, has slightly changed the image of the brand, while keeping the balance between innovation and elegance. Today, Balenciaga is one of the most influential fashion houses in the world, offering ample ready-to-wear collections.