Haute Couture Gown with Beaded Bodice
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Bust: 32 in (81.28 cm)Waist: 24 in (60.96 cm)Hip: 42 in (106.68 cm)
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Good vintage condition. Beading is delicate and missing some in places, and the seams around the zipper are ripping, but the original zipper and closures are intact. This piece is a size 0 but was photographed on a size 2 mannequin so it was not ab.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:
Pierre Balmain
Pierre Balmain founded his now-iconic label in 1945. Alongside fellow couture titans Christian Dior and Hubert de Givenchy, the French designer's postwar take on luxe dressing featured bell-shaped skirts falling from slender waists, structured jackets over sheath day dresses and embellishments like fur trim; he called the look “Jolie Madame.” The Duchess of Windsor was an early fan, prompting an aristocratic following.
From the voluminous skirts of the post-World War II “New Look” favored by Hollywood icons like Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich to the sleek, skinny jeans seen on Nicki Minaj, Kid Cudi and every Kardashian, clothes from the House of Balmain have long been mainstays in celebrity wardrobes.
The son of a dressmaker and a drapery salesman, Balmain's founder was born in 1914 in southeastern France and formed an interest in fashion at an early age. His mother wanted her son to be an architect — but the principles of design and structure that Pierre learned in his brief studies at the École des Beaux Arts served him well throughout his career.
Balmain was among the first to offer French looks to the American market. Since the death of the founder in 1982, the design reins at the company have been handed to luminaries such as Oscar de la Renta and Olivier Rousteing, an alum of Roberto Cavalli who was installed as creative director at the label in 2011.
Today’s Balmain has more in common with the master’s original haute couture than you might expect: sharply tailored blazers that nip in at the waist, delicate stilettos and ultra-feminine evening dresses are wardrobe basics for the 21st-century woman, too. Lovers of couture history will also prize the fluid, easy sketches from the master’s own hand they’ll find on offer here, while fashionistas clamor for the brand’s t-shirts, military-style jackets and skinny jeans.
Whether you’re a colonel in Rousteing’s “glamour army” or you fancy yourself a “Jolie Madame,” a Balmain piece — from the 1960s or even last season — will add a bold, sexy note to your look. Daytime or night, Balmain feels right now.
Find vintage Pierre Balmain dresses, skirts, scarves and other garments and accessories on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Dress circa 1980sBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is an haute couture dress by Yves Saint Laurent c. 1980s. It is made from charcoal colored satin. It features gathered and folded fabric all around with a two tiered ruffled sk...Category
1980s Cocktail Dresses
- Christian Dior Haute Couture Gown Autuwm/Winter 1972By Christian DiorLocated in Los Angeles, CAHaute couture silk organza gown by Christian Dior Autumn/Winter 1972 Collection Floor length One Shoulder Ruffled bodice Blue lining topped with lightweight purple organza; gives cha...Category
1970s French Evening Gowns
- Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Lace DressBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Los Angeles, CAHaute Couture Lace Dress by Yves Saint Laurent White lace detail on bust White detachable belt Navy skirt Sleeveless Strapless Structured bust Scoop cut out on back Column silhoue...Category
20th Century French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Balenciaga 1967 Haute Couture Black Chantilly Lace Pantalettes DressBy BalenciagaLocated in Los Angeles, CABalenciaga 1967 Haute Couture Black Chantilly Lace Pantalettes Dress Vintage; 1967 haute couture by Balenciaga Eisa label Black/Pink Strapless necklin...Category
1960s European Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Haute Couture Black Velvet Halter DressBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Los Angeles, CAYves Saint Laurent Vintage Haute Couture Black Velvet Halter Dress Vintage; circa 1960s Black Velvet Round gathered halter neckline with hook and eye fastening Fitted bodice Maxi le...Category
1960s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- James Galanos Vintage Purple and Black Lace Bow Dress (1980s)By James GalanosLocated in Los Angeles, CAGalanos Vintage Purple and Black Lace Bow Dress Circa 1980s; for I. Magnin Black satin; purple lace bodice Long sleeve with snap fastening at cuffs Round neckline Side seam pockets...Category
1980s American Cocktail Dresses
- Mariano Fortuny Amethyst Delphos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated amythest colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording. Named after a Greek cla...Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
- Ralph Lauren Collection Purple Label Silk Nautical Evening Gown S/S 2016 Size 2By Ralph Lauren Purple LabelLocated in Saint Petersburg, FLRalph Lauren Purple Label - Full length nautical evening gown with voluminous sheer fabric panels. This vibrant gown has a strapless pleated bodice and built in corset with a zipper...Category
2010s American Evening Dresses
- Gianni Versace studded evening dress, c. 1990sBy Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GBA Gianni Versace studded silk jersey evening dress from the 1990s. It 42 - Fr 38Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vicky Tiel 1980's Purple Silk Velvet GownBy Vicky TielLocated in Scottsdale, AZA 1980's gem! Make a statement in this electrifying purple maxi-dress in a beautifully soft silk velvet. There are so many smart design features done by Vicky Tiel including an ultra-flattering ruched mid-section, exaggerated shoulder...Category
1980s American Evening Gowns
- Gianni Versace purple viscose and mohair rayon knitted mini dress, ss 1998By Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GBGianni Versace purple rayon knitted mini dress with yellow mohair string straps and appliqués. Spring-Summer 1998Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vintage Eggplant Hanae Mori 1980s Wool Dress Size US 6By Hanae MoriLocated in New York, NYVintage eggplant wool long sleeve dress by Hanae Mori. Circa 1980s. V-neck. Gathering at side waist. Zip closure at back. 33" bust, 28" waist, 39" length, 16.5" shoulder width.Category
1980s Evening Dresses and Gowns