Pierre Balmain Dress with Chains
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: XS, S, M (US)Shoulder to Hem: 32 in (81.28 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Water Mill, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5114502523
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: Water Mill, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Claude Montana Zipper Dress with Metal Link BeltBy Claude MontanaLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous black silk wool blend dress from Claude Montana. It has a space age node with it's double zipper front and cuffs all with silver ball pulls plus a silver rectangular link...Category
1990s French Day Dresses
- Jean Paul Gaultier Leather Trim Silk DressBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous black silk velvet dress from Jean Paul Gaultier. It has incredible topstitched leather trim around top of the dress and neck creating tear drop shaped cut outs in the fro...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique 1970s Maxi Dress and Wrap with Stud TrimBy Givenchy, Givenchy Nouvelle BoutiqueLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous black wool jersey maxi dress and wrap from Givenchy. It has long sleeves, a crew neckline and comes with a narrow tie belt and matching wrap...Category
1970s French Maxi Dresses
- Thierry Mugler Green Wrap DressBy Thierry MuglerLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous forest green wool military influence dress by Thierry Mugler. It has a small stand up collar, long sleeves with cuffs and 2 bodice patch pockets. The dress skirt wraps ac...Category
1990s French Day Dresses
- Moschino Couture Cut out Color Block DressBy Moschino CoutureLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous dress from Moschino Couture in black with off white trim. It is sleeveless with a V neckline, a waist cut out below it and a low cut back, all trimmed in off white. The d...Category
1990s Italian Day Dresses
- Vicky Tiel Couture Color Block Silk DressBy Vicky TielLocated in Water Mill, NYA beautiful black and white silk dress from Vicky Tiel's Couture collection. It has a ruched sweetheart neckline, a scoop back, and puff sh...Category
1990s French Cocktail Dresses
- Roland Klein black strapless dress with black and white striped trainBy Roland KleinLocated in Austin, TX1980s Roland Klein black strapless dress with black and white train. Acetate fabric. 34" bust, 26" waist, 40" hips, 48" front length - 54 1/2" ba...Category
1980s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- UNWORN Gucci by Tom Ford FW 2004 Black Silk & Tassle Evening Gown Dress 40By Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in Switzerland, CHRARE COLLECTOR'S ITEM STUNNING PIECE BY TOM FORD FOR HIS FINAL COLLECTION IN FALL 2004 FOR GUCCI Seen on the runway show, in the AD campaign and in many editorials One of the key...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns
- Vintage Tom Ford for Gucci F/W 1996 Black Jersey Dress Gown w Pony Hair Belt 42By Tom Ford for GucciLocated in Montgomery, TXVintage Runway Tom Ford for Gucci Black Jersey Dress Gown F/W 1996 Collection Designer size - 42 Black Jersey, Fully Lined, Slip-on Style. Black Pony Hair Belt...Category
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Iconic Tom Ford for Gucci SS 2003 Japanese Cherry Blossoms Mini Stretch Dress SBy Tom Ford for GucciLocated in Montgomery, TXIconic Tom Ford for Gucci Japanese Cherry Blossoms Mini Stretch Dress S/S 2003 Runway Collection Designer size - S Measurements: Length - 37", Bust - ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Lillie Rubin Black Sheer Angel Wing Gown with Rhinestone Plunge - Small, 1960sBy Lillie RubinLocated in Tucson, AZSimple but dramatic, this electrifying gown is perfect for the woman who isn't comfortable without a sleeve but also appreciates a touch of allure. Floating chiffon bell sleeves are cut from underarm to wrist to create an angel wing effect, while a double row of rhinestones trims the deep bust and back lines for even more drama. Made from the most luxurious, heavyweight silk crêpe imaginable. Full-length princess gown...Category
1960s American Evening Gowns
- Moschino 'Couture' asymmetrical one shoulder cocktail dressBy Moschino Couture, MoschinoLocated in New York, NYThis Moschino couture black cocktail dress fits wonderfully to the body, and the pleating along the hem comes alive with every movement of the body! Elegant, yet sexy all at the same...Category
1980s Italian Cocktail Dresses