Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
Is Balmain haute couture?
1 Answer

Yes, 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.
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 ExpertMarch 18, 2024
Related Questions
- What is haute couture?1 Answer
- What is the difference between couture and haute couture?1 Answer
- How do you identify haute couture?1 Answer
- Is Versace haute couture?1 Answer
- What qualifies as haute couture?1 Answer
Shop for Balmain Fashion on 1stDibs
BALMAIN 2010 Vintage Runway Bronze Sequin Silk Distressed Shred Mummy Dress
By Balmain
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Balmain
Vintage
Runway by Carmen Kass
SS10
Warrior Princess Vibes
Bronze hued sequins and chainmail
Distressed army green silk cut-outs
Back exposed zip
Size FR38
Excellent condition...
Category
2010s Cocktail Dresses
Kaki cotton army shirt with patches and studs embellishment BALMAIN
By Balmain
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Kaki cotton army shirt. Snap closure on the middle front and on the cuffs. Strap on sleeve and buckle. XXL shoulder pad. Bust pocket.
SIZE 38/M
Category
2010s Unknown Chemises
Pierre Balmain Silk Safety Pin Dress
By Balmain, Pierre Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful pale yellow silk dress from Pierre Balmain. It is semi fitted skimming the body with a crew neckline and long sleeves adorned along the outside with dozens of silver safety...
Category
2010s French Day Dresses
Pierre Balmain White Bodycon Dress
By Balmain, Pierre Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous white body conscious bandage dress from Pierre Balmain. It has long sleeves, a square cut neckline, and fabulous ribbed panels accentuating the waist and bust. It is unl...
Category
2010s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
Balmain Cream Leather & Fox Fur Coat size M/L
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
Cream sheepskin leather Balmain coat with fox fur trim.
Beautiful dyed fox fur collar and cuff trim.
Textured buttons.
Mid-length.
Provenance: Y2k vintage, circa 2000s.
Composit...
Category
Early 2000s Coats
Cotton Army style single breasted jacket BALMAIN
By Balmain
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Cotton Army style single breasted jacket . Cotton lining. Shoulder pad. Button and buttonhole closure on the middle front and on the cuffs. 4 pockets on the front. Silver metal studs...
Category


