Nicolas Ghesquiere Departing Balenciaga

In 1997 Nicolas Ghesquiere was hired as Balenciaga's creative director after predecessor Josephus Thimister was fired after a highly unsuccessful show. Ghesquiere took the company by storm and made Balenciaga once again a top fashion house. The first collection for spring/summer 1998 Ghesquiere took it back to Cristobal Balenciaga's legacy with gorgeous silhouettes and elegance. However, it wasn't till February 2001 where people really took notice of his collection for autumn/winter 2001. The Paris flagship store was unable to meet the demands of the customers that gathered daily for his collection. In 2001 he won the Womenswear Designer of the Year by the CFDA only after 4 years of being the creative director.

With his well-known pencil thin trouser cut and his signature blouson jacket Balenciaga's legacy was brought to a whole new level. I still can't wait for the day when I can own one of his motorcycle-inspired purses! To celebrate his departure come November 30th, here is a look through the runways of Nicolas Ghesquiere's growth through Balenciaga's name.

Ghesquiere's first collection: Spring/Summer 1998

Autumn/Winter collection 2001

Spring/Summer 2003

Fall/Winter 04-05

LOVE! Spring/Summer 2006

This collection was one of my favorites; Fall/Winter 07-08

Spring/Summer 2008 Collection

Spring/Summer 2009 Collection

Spring/Summer 2011 Collection

Fall/Winter 2011-2012 Collection

Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

Fall/Winter 2012-2012 Collection

A great last collection! S/S 2013

Balenciaga Exhibition at the Musee Galliera in Paris

While over in Europe one of the many things I learned was the heritage of many high end designers. The last post I showed you was the Louis Vuitton/Marc Jacobs exhibit I went to, which honestly was my favorite. However, the Balenciaga exhibit gave me new perspective on a brand I was not as familiar with.

The exhibit was in honor of the 40th anniversary of Balenciaga's death. It showcased some of his greatest Spanish inspired pieces dating back to the late 1930's. All of the pieces were breathtaking, so be sure to stop by the Musee Galliera if you happen to be in Paris; trust me its worth it!

Once again sorry for the quality I only had by Blackberry, but here are some pieces I really enjoyed and wanted to share with you all...

The Olsen's in Balenciaga Shoes

Ashley flaunting her Balenciage boots (Sam Edelman makes a copy of these for cheaper)

Mary Kate in hot cut out Balenciaga boots ($1275)

Mary Kate in Balenciaga platforms (love this outfit!)