VIS Readies Cristóbal Balenciaga Scripted Series

ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS) is developing a new scripted series that will depict the life of famed Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga.

Slated to begin production in 2021, the project will be the first made-for-TV series about Balenciaga’s life. Unlike many other well-known fashion designers, Balenciaga was known to be very private and elusive, having given only two press interviews during his 50-year career. With his skill and perfectionism, Balenciaga led a revolution in fashion and earned the admiration of the likes of Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy and Coco Chanel.

Director James Kent (Testament of Youth, MotherFatherSon, The Aftermath) and writers Rebecca Pollock and Kas Graham are signed onto the project. Frida Torresblanco (Pan’s Labyrinth, The Assassination of Richard Nixon, Dancer Upstairs, Disobedience) of Braven Films is set to serve as executive producer.

Frida Torresblanco, executive producer, said: “I have long admired the genius of the greatest Spanish fashion designer in history. After discovering Balenciaga’s influences this triggered the implacable need to capture the life of a brave artist who intensely and relentlessly lived for his love of an aristocrat, a handsome gentleman whose life was threatened by the dangerous times he lived in. He liberated women who were restricted in their corsets, by creating a timeless, provocative and avant-garde way to live that continues to influence future generations. I couldn’t be prouder to have the support of ViacomCBS International Studios and our incredibly talented team of writers and director for this inspiring project.”

Director James Kent said: “There are few artists who have affected our world’s material reality—its texture, color, shape and form—in the way Balenciaga has. His creations changed the face of fashion, and his story, until now, has only been told through his fashion designs. I am thrilled to have the challenge of pulling from this visual, aesthetic space, and Balenciaga’s intense life, to share this glamorous story with the world.”