A forthcoming Disney+ series explores the life of legendary fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, with Alberto San Juan cast to embody the iconic couturier. The project, developed by José Mari Goenaga, Jon Garaño, and Aitor Arregi, marks a high-profile addition to the platform’s slate, signaling a bold commitment to a character whose influence reshaped runway culture and design language.
Joining a team that blends strong storytelling with meticulous research, San Juan will navigate a demanding role. The actor describes the opportunity as a privilege, highlighting the depth of the scripts, the caliber of the directors, and the collaboration across the production. The challenge spans multiple languages and a narrative arc that covers several decades, demanding sustained performance across a dense filming schedule and varied production needs.
At the helm, the creators behind Balenciaga (working title)—loreak, handia, endless trench—bring together seasoned writers and directors. The collaboration includes Lourdes Iglesias, who contributes to shaping a portrayal of a remarkably talented and enigmatic figure who challenged social norms and forever altered the world of fashion.
Directors Goenaga, Garaño, and Arregi note that Alberto San Juan immediately felt like the right fit for the role once filming began. His commitment and presence in the series are described as integral, with the actor appearing in a substantial portion of scenes as the designer. The production emphasizes the learning curve involved in mastering sewing techniques and fabric manipulation, underscoring the craft that defined Balenciaga’s legacy.
The Disney+ project is described as an ambitious production that emphasizes rigorous research and detailed recreation. A dedicated team of specialists supports the process, including a costume department led by a renowned designer who has earned critical recognition in related film work. The department is tasked with accurately translating Balenciaga’s distinctive silhouettes and tailoring approaches into the screen’s fabric, textiles, and construction methods.
Fostering authenticity, a sizeable crew and a large cast will bring a range of historical characters to life. The production involves over a hundred characters, hundreds of extras, and an eighteen-week shooting schedule. Filming will unfold across more than ninety sets located in Spain—regions such as the Basque Country, Navarra, and Madrid—and in France, with scenes shot in cities including Paris, Bordeaux, and Toulouse.
Balenciaga’s narrative centers on a man who rose from a family background in tailoring to become a foundational figure in fashion history. His talent, persistence, and business acumen enabled him to transcend social limitations of the era, establishing a lasting imprint on design language and industry practice. Disney+ emphasizes that the series will illuminate the designer’s journey, highlighting the personal and professional forces that shaped his work.
As the story unfolds, viewers are invited to witness the search for identity and the ongoing negotiation of creativity within a world of evolving social norms. The series tracks Balenciaga’s enduring pursuit of a personal style, set against the pressures and judgments of contemporaries. Audiences will observe both triumphs and losses, including the complexities of collaboration, the impact of family and national context, and the emotional landscape of an extraordinary artist who continually rebuilt his life and career.
In its essence, the project offers a cinematic examination of a master tailor who redefined fashion on a global stage. It presents an intimate portrait of resilience, innovation, and the relentless drive to shape a signature aesthetic that endures beyond a single era or collection.