Disney+ - Cristóbal Balenciaga: Discover the new event series

By Mulder, 15 january 2024

Disney+ has provided a sneak peek into its original series, Cristóbal Balenciaga, set to grace screens exclusively on the streaming platform from January 19. The series, an opulent creation by Lourdes Iglesias and the renowned directorial trio Aitor Arregi, Jon Garaño, and Jose Mari Goenaga, promises an immersive journey into the captivating life and enduring legacy of Cristóbal Balenciaga, a luminary in the realm of 20th-century fashion.

Embarking on the narrative in 1937, the series unfolds the life of Cristóbal Balenciaga, portrayed with finesse by actor Alberto San Juan. From his beginnings dressing the Spanish elite in Madrid and San Sebastian ateliers to the grand stage of Paris Haute Couture, Balenciaga's journey unfolds against the backdrop of a fiercely competitive fashion landscape dominated by the likes of Chanel, Dior, and Givenchy.

What sets Cristóbal Balenciaga apart is its stellar international cast, featuring Belén Cuesta, Josean Bengoetxea, Cecilia Solaguren, and a host of others who breathe life into key figures from Balenciaga's personal and professional spheres. The technical brilliance behind the series is evident in the work of composer Alberto Iglesias, costume designers Bina Daigeler and Pepo Ruiz Dorado, cinematographer Javier Agirre Erauso, and chief makeup artist Karmele Soler, all of whom contribute to creating a visually stunning and historically authentic portrayal.

With six meticulously crafted episodes, the series delves into Balenciaga's three-decade tenure in Paris, exploring the intricate dynamics with his family, collaborators, customers, and rivals. Each episode unfolds against pivotal moments in Balenciaga's career, including challenges during the German occupation, the emergence of Christian Dior as a formidable rival, and the iconic design of Queen Fabiola de Mora y Aragón's wedding dress in 1960.

Disney+ Spain emphasizes its commitment to showcasing local stories with global resonance. Sofía Fábregas, in a statement, expressed pride in the collaboration with production companies Moriarti Produkzioak and Irusoin, as well as the outstanding direction from Aitor Arregi, Jon Garaño, and Jose Mari Goenaga. Fábregas lauded the meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of the production, highlighting Alberto San Juan's performance as the soul of the series.

The directors, Aitor Arregi, Jon Garaño, and Jose Mari Goenaga, shared insights into the challenges of bringing Balenciaga's enigmatic personality to life. They emphasized the series' focus on the universal theme of control, exploring how Balenciaga's obsession with control elevated him to the status of a true auteur in the world of fashion.

Adding another layer to the series is a fascinating glimpse into the creative process provided by costume designers Bina Daigeler and Pepo Ruiz Dorado. They discussed the meticulous effort to recreate Balenciaga's iconic designs, drawing from the archives of the House of Balenciaga and the Musée Galliera in Paris.

In a personal note, series creator Lourdes Iglesias revealed that the idea for the series originated in Korea, inspired by a young fashion designer who revered Balenciaga. She highlighted the mystery surrounding the designer's life and expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Disney+, calling the series a psychological exploration of Balenciaga's significance in the world of fashion.

As anticipation builds for the release of Cristóbal Balenciaga, Disney+ aims to offer audiences a compelling narrative that not only celebrates the life of a fashion legend but also serves as a testament to the platform's commitment to high-quality, globally resonant storytelling. The series promises to be a sumptuous tapestry of fashion, drama, and intrigue, inviting viewers to step into the captivating world of one of history's most enigmatic designers.

Synopsis :
Cristóbal Balenciaga Eizaguirre, with his natural talent, perseverance and business acumen, dared to defy his social status as the son of a seamstress and fisherman to become, from 1937, one of the most iconic designers of all time.

Cristóbal Balenciaga
Created by Aitor Arregi, Jon Garaño, Jose Mari Goenaga, Lourdes Iglesias
Directed by Aitor Arregi, Jon Garaño, Jose Mari Goenaga
Written by Aitor Arregi, Jon Garaño, Jose Mari Goenaga, Lourdes Iglesias
Starring Alberto San Juan, Belén Cuesta, Josean Bengoetxea, Cecilia Solaguren, Adam Quintero, Thomas Coumans, Gemma Whelan, Anouk Grinberg, Gabrielle Lazure, Patrice Thibaud, Nine d'Urso, Anna-Victoire Olivier
Composer : Alberto Iglesias
Producer: Xabier Berzosa
Cinematography : Javier Agirre Erauso
Production companies : Moriarti Produkzioak, Irusoin
Network : Disney+
Release : January 19, 2024