Did Balmain create biker denim?

No, Balmain did not create biker denim. Biker denim was first introduced as a functional option for protective clothing for motorcyclists. Balmain biker denim jeans, however, with their bold zipper detailing and eye-catching slim-fit cut, have been a fashion favorite for years. The iconic French haute couture house reportedly helped popularize the look among celebrities and influencers all over the world.

The use of denim in garments has been traced back to 17th-century France, when farmers began wearing a heavy cotton twill cloth as workwear. Most credit Levi Strauss, the founder of Levi Strauss & Co., for bringing denim into vogue in the U.S. and abroad beginning in the late 19th century.

On 1stDibs, find a range of denim apparel from some of the world's top boutiques.