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.
21st Century and Contemporary British Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary French Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary British Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary French Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary French Balmain
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1960s French Balmain
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21st Century and Contemporary Balmain
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21st Century and Contemporary British Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary Balmain
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21st Century and Contemporary British Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary Balmain
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2010s Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary British Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary British Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary British Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary French Balmain
2010s Balmain
2010s Italian Balmain
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21st Century and Contemporary French Balmain
1980s Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary French Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary French Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary French Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Balmain
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Balmain
Balmain fashion for sale on 1stDibs.
Designers Similar to Balmain
- Is Balmain black owned?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, Balmain is owned by the investment firm Mayhoola for Investments, which is based in Qatar. It is currently headed by creative director Olivier Rousteing, a Black designer. Shop for expertly authenticated Balmain products from top boutiques around the world on 1stDibs.
- How do Balmain biker jeans fit?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Sizing of Balmain biker jeans can vary based on the style, so it is best to check the sizing chart on the brand’s website for specific measurements as you shop for a particular style of biker jeans. Browse a selection of properly vetted Balmain biker jeans from top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- Do Balmain jeans stretch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Sometimes. Many styles of Balmain jeans offer comfortable stretch in their material. This is usually identified in the name of the particular style of Balmain jeans. Shop a variety of expertly authenticated Balmain jeans from top boutiques around the world on 1stDibs.
- Does Balmain repair clothes?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, Balmain does not offer clothing repair services. Balmain does offer a return service for new items that arrive damaged or defective, as long as they are notified within 20 days of you receiving the item, and as long as it is returned unused with tags attached. Browse a wide selection of Balmain clothing from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The key factor in identifying fake vs. real Balmain jeans is the level of quality. Fake Balmain jeans may feel lighter, have messy stitching and come in sub-standard packaging. Find a selection of Balmain jeans on 1stDibs that have been expertly vetted to ensure authenticity.
- How can I wear a Balmain jacket?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022How you wear a Balmain jacket is largely a matter of personal preference. Not just for the office, the brand's popular double-breasted blazer pairs well with everything from dresses to leather leggings to tailored shorts to classic denim. You'll find a range of Balmain jackets on 1stDibs.1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022How you style a Balmain jacket is a matter of preference. This is a versatile garment, and Balmain offers many styles of jackets and blazers. For a casual look, pair a Balmain jacket or blazer with distressed denim jeans, a graphic tee and white sneakers. For an evening out on the town, your black Balmain blazer will dazzle with a simple black skirt. Whether looking for a stylish cropped fit or the perfect oversized layer, browse a wide range of authentic Balmain garments from some of the world’s top retailers on 1stDibs.
- What is a Balmain dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A dress designed by Balmain promises exceptional quality in materials and design. The designs are inspired by power and confidence, and are well known for flattering structured silhouettes. Stud detailing is commonly featured on Balmain dresses. Shop a variety of Balmain dresses on 1stDibs.
- Where are Balmain shoes made?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Balmain makes most of its shoes at carefully vetted factories in China that are experienced in producing luxury footwear. In the past, Balmain manufactured its shoes in France and Italy. On 1stDibs, you can shop a collection of Balmain shoes.1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022While Balmain footwear is designed in France, the majority of Balmain shoes are made in China. Some of the brand’s leather styles are crafted in Italy. Shop a collection of Balmain footwear from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is the Balmain brand?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Balmain is a French fashion house that opened in 1945. The full name of the company is Pierre Balmain, S.A., after founder Pierre Alexandre Claudius Balmain. Although the brand produces a full range of apparel and accessories, its leather jackets and blazers are especially well known. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Balmain.1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Balmain brand is a French luxury fashion house founded by Pierre Balmain in 1945. The current creative director is Oliver Rousteing, who was 25 years old at the time of his appointment. Prior to Balmain, Rousteing was the creative director for the women’s ready-to-wear collection at Roberto Cavalli. Find an assortment of Balmain apparel from the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Who makes Balmain suits?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Olivier Rousteing makes Balmain suits. As the creative director, he is responsible for designing all of the pieces produced at the brand's in-house factories. He took on the role in 2011. You can find a selection of Balmain apparel on 1stDibs.1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The creative director of Balmain is Oliver Rousteing. Balmain is known for its impeccable tailored fits that add polish to any ensemble with military-inspired details, such as dramatic shoulders and gold-tone buttons. Browse a wide range of authentic Balmain suits from some of the world’s top retailers on 1stDibs.
- How do you pronounce Balmain?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024Balmain is pronounced “bahl-MAH.” The “n” at the end is silent. French fashion designer Pierre Balmain established 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. Shop a collection of vintage Balmain from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Where is Balmain manufactured?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Balmain is mostly manufactured in France, where the brand is based. They also have a variety of manufacturing centers in other countries including Italy, Bulgaria, Japan, China and Poland. Shop a collection of expertly authenticated Balmain products from top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- Who owns Balmain Paris?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024Balmain Paris is owned by a Qatari investment fund called Mayhoola for Investments. The iconic French couture house was founded by Pierre Balmain in 1945. Shop a collection of vintage Balmain from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Who is Balmain's designer?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024Balmain’s designer is Olivier Rousteing, the iconic French couture house’s current creative director. Rousteing is an alum of Roberto Cavalli. He was installed as Balmain’s creative director in 2011. Shop vintage Balmain clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
- Is Balmain French?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Balmain is a French fashion house first established in Paris in 1945. It was founded by French designer Pierre Balmain, and is known for its luxurious quality and design. Shop a collection of authentic Balmain pieces from top sellers worldwide on 1stDibs.
- Is Balmain haute couture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024Yes, Balmain is haute couture. The term haute couture refers to high-end luxury wear that has been custom-fitted and constructed by hand from start to finish. The world of haute couture is governed by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode in France.
Fashion designer Pierre Balmain established his now-iconic label in 1945. In the postwar years, Balmain became known for bell-shaped skirts falling from slender waists, structured jackets over sheath day dresses and embellishments like fur trim.
From the dresses 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. Shop a collection of vintage Balmain from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs. - 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 28, 2024To spot a fake Balmain T-shirt, you’ll want to pay attention to how the label’s logo appears on tags and, if applicable, on the front of the shirt. A fake Balmain T-shirt will present a dizzying array of different fonts and spacing errors (tags on fake shirts may even include spelling errors). These inconsistencies can appear on its wash instruction tag, the collar label or directly in the graphic on the front of the shirt. How the shirt was made matters, too. Each impeccable stitch on a genuine Balmain T-shirt will appear even, and there won’t be any detectable irregularities. If you notice flaws in the craftsmanship of your piece, you may have a fake Balmain T-shirt on your hands. Browse a selection of vintage Balmain shirts on 1stDibs.
- How do Balmain shirts fit?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The fit of a Balmain shirt is dependent on its silhouette and fabric. Refer to the measurements and product description on the brand’s website for recommendations on sizing. If you do a fair amount of online apparel shopping, experts suggest that you gather accurate body measurements using a tape measure. Shop a range of Balmain shirts from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.1stDibs ExpertFebruary 29, 2024Balmain shirts fit well according to online testimonials. The shirts offered by the French luxury brand generally feature a modern semi-fitted cut. Dress shirts may be a slim fit but they aren’t constricting or skinny. If you prefer a looser fit, you may wish to purchase a Balmain shirt one size larger than what you normally buy. Size charts are available on Balmain's official website. On 1stDibs, find a selection of vintage Balmain shirts.
- Is Balmain in Dubai Mall real?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024Yes, the Balmain in Dubai Mall is real. There is a Balmain flagship boutique located on the ground floor of Dubai Mall. In the "store locator" section of the United Arab Emirates version of Balmain's official website, the location of this flagship store is listed as follows: Financial Center Road, The Dubai Mall, Fashion Avenue, Ground Floor.
Balmain, an internationally celebrated postwar fashion label, was founded in 1945 by French fashion designer Pierre Balmain. Find vintage Balmain evening dresses, jackets and other clothing and accessories offered by expertly vetted sellers on 1stDibs.