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
Wool chevron and Faux fur coat BALMAIN
By Balmain
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Wool chevron and Faux fur ( 50% acrylic, 50% polyester) Fabric belt and belt-loop. Button and buttonhole on the middle front. Pocket on both side.
SIZE 38 (Fr) M
Category
1990s Coats
Balmain Knit PeekABoo SideLaceUpEyelets GoldBoldZip RedOrange Halter MiniDress
By Balmain, Balmain Paris
Located in Chicago, IL
Made in France, this Balmain Paris vibrant reddish-orange knit mini dress in reflective dense viscose features dozens of spaghetti-laced gold eyelets that line both seamless sides fo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail 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
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
Balmain Haute Couture Mint Green Suit with Embroidery, 2000s
By Balmain
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 2 piece ensemble by the house of Balmain. Mint green dotted pique cotton from the late 1990s. Beautifully finished couture piece with lovely crochet buttons and intricate em...
Category
Late 20th Century Trouser Pant Suits
Balmain Runway Silk Ruched Dress
By Pierre Balmain, Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous taupe fine silk jersey dress from Balmain. It has a plunging neckline framed with vertically ruched panels. The fitted skirt is horizontally ruched with angled insets o...
Category


