Balmain Wrap Effect Striped Jumpsuit - Worn by Alesha Dixon - Size Estimated S
View Similar Items
Balmain Wrap Effect Striped Jumpsuit - Worn by Alesha Dixon - Size Estimated S
About the Item
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.
- GLORIA SACHS Couture 1980s Two Piece PAISLEY FUR Suit Skirt Jacket Wool 10By Gloria SachsLocated in Asheville, NCGloria Sachs, Iconic Suit, Vintage 1980's, 100% Pure Wool (Soft), Made in USA, Union Tag, Fully Lined. Jacket - Quilted, Five Wooden/Clay Round Buttons, Shoulder Pads, Two Pockets, ...Category
1980s Skirt Suits
$596 Sale Price25% Off - Vintage PIERRE CARDIN Paris Couture 1960s Two Piece Ensemble Skirt Jacket 38By Pierre Cardin, Pierre Cardin ParisLocated in Asheville, NCPierre Cardin, 100% Wool, 1960's Couture, Made in France, Asymmetrical Layered Design, Two Faceted Buttons, Pleated Skirt, Metal Zipper, Slit on Back of Skirt, Vintage 38 Measuremen...Category
1960s French Skirt Suits
$909 Sale Price30% Off - YVES SAINT LAURENT BY TOM FORD S/S 2002 Runway Sheer Silk Two-PieceBy Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Berlin, BEThis leopard print two piece was the opening look for Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring Summer 2002 Rive Gauche collection by Tom Ford. This elegant two-piece consists of a high waisted silk pencil skirt and a zip up sleeveless silk top in a classic leopard print. This safari inspired set features beautiful details such as the YSL logo on the right side of the front of the bodice, and also embossed on the zipper. The bodice features a deep V neckline, multiple pockets on the front and drawstrings at the sides, the back features a transparent panel...Category
Early 2000s French Twin Sets
- Louis Vuitton Runway Collection Fall Winter 2009 Set of 3By Louis VuittonLocated in Palm Beach, FLLouis Vuitton Very wide and thick skirt in wool lined with silk. The skirt with several thick pleats. Exceptional skirt with its very ample cut and its noble materials. Set of 3 piec...Category
Early 2000s French Habits
- Gianni Versace F/W 1983 Black Oroton chainmail top and skirt setBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Milano, IT- Designed by Gianni Versace - Sold by Skof.Archive - Black Oroton chainmail two piece skirt suit - Knee length skirt with draped detail - Cotton waistband skirt - Hidden side zip...Category
1980s Italian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
$10,660 Sale Price20% Off - Gianfranco Ferrè F/W 2000 black plated taffeta skirt and white silk blouse setBy Gianfranco FerréLocated in Milano, IT- Designed by Gianfranco Ferré - Sold by Skof.Archive - Voluminous black silk taffeta skirt with dramatic train - Double layered skirt with white plated crinoline and ruffled and p...Category
Early 2000s Italian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
$2,665 Sale Price20% OffFree Shipping