Black Balenciaga

Balenciaga was founded back in 1919 in Spain. Its founder couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga started sewing at the age of 12. After he opened his hirst boutique in San Sebastián, he quickly expanded to Madrid and Barcelona. We bet you didn't know his designs were worn by the Spanish royal family and aristocracy then. In the 50s-60s the brand reached its peak popularity thanks to the self-confidence with which it brought modern elements to the high fashion of the time. After Cristóbol's death, an exhibition was held in London in honour of his integral contribution to art through "haute couture". What may have caught your attention is Balenciaga's controversial background. In 2016, IKEA accused the brand of plagiarism after Balenciaga released a tote bag which carried the aesthetic of IKEA shopping bags. Besides this there were accusations linked with the use of real animal fur, controversial fashion shows, high prices or sustainability challenges. The biggest mystery and question though, is their use of satanic elements within their campaigns. Nevertheless, the brand stays relevant. Although the number of their supporters decreased after this event of actions they have a fine list of partnerships with brands such as Gucci, Vibram, Crocs or even PlayStation.

Balenciaga sneakers often carry a bold aesthetic. Take the Balenciaga Triple S model as an example. These sneakers feature chunky design and are one of the brand's best-sellers. With its multi-layered sole they reward you with comfort and cushioning while making a fashion statement, all at once. The massive sole is where the shoe's name comes from. Triple S = triple sole or triple-stacked sole. Easy as that. One of the recent booms, among the bold silhouettes, is definitely the Defender model. You'll be up in the clouds with these, since they come with jumbo-sized tire sole. This sole is a trademark of the Defender shoes. With all its features, it's obvious why the model carries the same name as Land Rover's iconic durable jeep. Of course if you're not that deep into expressive footwear, your choice might be Speed Trainers. It's dressed in a simple and easy-to-enter design. It features a one-piece upper that is made of stretchy, elastic fabric, which provides a snug and comfortable fit. The absence of laces contributes to its minimalist and sleek appearance.