Cristóbal Balenciaga Eizaguirre ( [kɾisˈtoβal βalenˈθjaɣa ejθaˈɣire]; 21 January 1895 – 23 March 1972) was a Spanish fashion designer, and the CEO of the Balenciaga fashion house. He had a reputation as a couturier of uncompromising standards and was referred to as "the master of us all. 