Balenciaga  is a luxury fashion house founded in 1919 by the Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga in San Sebastian, Spain. Called "the master of us all" by Christian Dior, Balenciaga had a reputation as a couturier of uncompromising standards. His bubble skirts and odd, feminine, yet modern silhouettes became the trademarks of the house. Balenciaga produces ready-to-wear, footwear, handbags, and accessories; and it licenses its name and branding to Coty for fragrances.