The son of a seamstress, Cristobal Balenciaga founded this legendary fashion house in Madrid in 1918. After the Spanish Civil War, the designer relocated to Paris where he swiftly built a reputation for refined elegance and was hailed as "the couturier of couturiers". Frenchman Nicolas Ghesquière has been at the helm since 1997, drawing inspiration from the house's archives and fans including Nicole Kidman (who wore Balenciaga for her 2006 nuptials) can't get enough of the fine finishes. This retro-chic sunglasses collection upholds the brands luxury heritage with oversized Jackie O frames and dramatic tinted lenses.