Late 1950 early 1960's Balmain Encrusted Silver Cocktail Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 34.26 in (87 cm)Marked Size: 8 (US)Bust: 33.86 in (86 cm)Waist: 29.14 in (74 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Encrusted with silver-colored beads
- Condition:Altered (not by designer). Original silk lining recently replaced by a seamstress.
- Seller Location:Milano, IT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3285221522792
Balmain
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, Pierre Balmain 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 Balmain learned in his brief studies at the École des Beaux Arts served him well throughout his career.
Balmain founded his now-iconic label in 1945. Alongside fellow couture titans Christian Dior and Hubert de Givenchy, Balmain’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.
Balmain was among the first to offer French looks to the American market. Since Pierre Balmain’s death in 1982, the design reins 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 Balmain dresses, skirts, shoes and other garments and accessories on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Milano, Italy
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- 1980s Dimitri Kritsas long black dressLocated in Milano, IT1980s Dimitri Kritsas long black dress with wide shawl neckline and low cut back. Rounded high slit in front with fitted long sleeves. Evening dress Size: M Waist: 88 cm Length: 14...Category
1980s American Evening Dresses
- 1970s Basile Long Velvet Black DressBy BasileLocated in Milano, ITVoluptuous Runway dress, floor length in black silk velvet, V-neck in grosgrain with small collar, Long sleeves. slit opening in the back. with fish tail shaped draping from knee t...Category
1970s North American Evening Gowns
- 1970s Dominic Rompollo Long plum dressBy Dominic RompolloLocated in Milano, ITLong plum dress in soft jersey, high collar and buttons on the front. Long train on the back. Stretch fabric. Size IT: 40 Size USA: 6 Waist: 65 cm Length:...Category
1970s American Evening Dresses
- 1980s Michel Klein Blue velvet dressLocated in Milano, IT1980s Michel Klein Blue velvet dress with crossed V-neck and full skirt, long sleeves. Knee length. Button closure on the front. Size IT : 40 Size USA: 6 MEASURES Waist: 68 cm Len...Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
- 1990s Oscar De La Renta Green velvet DressBy Oscar De La RentaLocated in Milano, ITBeautiful midi length velvet ruffled dress with 3/4 puff sleeves and woven tassels. with boat neckline. Óscar Arístides Renta Fiallo (22 July 1932 – 20 October 2014), known professi...Category
1990s North American Evening Dresses
- 1990s Vintage evening long black dressLocated in Milano, ITLong black dress with halter neck. Stretch fabric in polyester and spandex. Beaded embroidery. Size: L Stretch Waist: 74 cm Length: 143 cm Bust: 86 cmCategory
1990s American Evening Dresses
- Jean Muir Emerald Green Viscose Jersey Cocktail DressBy Jean MuirLocated in New York, NYJean Muir emerald green jersey cocktail dress with long wrap sash. Sash may also be worn as long scarf around neck, and tied at lower back. Front of dress has asymmetrical pleating. ...Category
Late 20th Century British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Badgley Mischka Beaded Black Silk Lace Evening Gown Size US 10By Badgley MischkaLocated in New York, NYBadgley Mischka glamorous black silk lace evening gown, size US 10. Gown features hand beaded and embroidered lace with glass jet beading, and neckline with glass jet beads along cu...Category
Late 20th Century American Evening Gowns
- Giambattista Valli Ivory Crepe Sleeveless Wedding Gown Dress EU 40By Giambattista ValliLocated in New York, NYElegant Giambattista Valli ivory crepe sleeveless wedding gown has a delicate fitted bust, darts to accentuate the length of waist, which is finished with a stitched ribbon at the wa...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Mariano Fortuny Sienna Peplos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated sienna colored silk with silk cording along side seams,shoulders and tunic hem with multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Peplos
- Mariano Fortuny Black Silk Peplos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated black colored silk with silk cording along side seams,shoulders and tunic hem with matte frosted colored glass beads threaded through the cordin...Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Peplos
- 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