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.
BALMAIN black & white cotton BUTTONED TURTLENECK Sweater 36 XS
By Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balmain knit sweater in black and white cotton (43%), polyamide (31%) and wool (26%). Features are silver buttons on the shoulders with a m...
BALMAIN Size L Black Orange Blue Tropical Cotton Hooded Zip Up Sweatshirt
By Balmain
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALMAIN sweatshirt in a black, orange, and blue cotton jersey featuring a hooded style, tropical print, and zip up closure.Good Pre-Owned Condition. Minor marks, missing one pocket z...
Balmain, hooded bomber jacket in black
By Balmain
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balmain, hooded bomber jacket in black. The item is new with tag.
Balmain, black hooded cardigan with embossed logo
By Balmain
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balmain, black hooded cardigan with embossed logo. The item is new with tag.
Balmain White Wrap Cardigan with Belt - Size36/ S
By Balmain
Located in Krakow, PL
Balmain White Wrap Cardigan with Belt – Size FR36 / S Condition: Very good Description: Minimal signs of wear Fit: Fitted Material: 98% viscose, 2% elastane; secondary material ...
BALMAIN green & gold wool LUREX TIGER BUTTONED TURTLENECK Sweater M
By Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balmain crewneck sweater in dark green wool (80%), metallized polyester (13%) and nylon (7%) with gold lurex tiger jacquard. Opens at the...
BALMAIN Size M Grey Olive Cotton Distressed Hoodie Sweatshirt
By Balmain
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALMAIN sweatshirt in an olive grey cotton featuring a hooded style, distressed design, and double zipper closure. Made in Italy.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Minor marks, distress ...
$427Sale Price|25% Off
BALMAIN brown leopard jacquard power shoulder gold buttons cardigan FR38 M
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN brown leopard jacquard power shoulder gold buttons cardigan FR38 M Reference: DYTG/A00008 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Viscose Color: Brown, Black Pat...
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
BALMAIN powder blue wool cashmere gold pearl embellished sweater FR36 S
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN powder blue wool cashmere gold pearl embellished sweater FR36 S Reference: AAWC/A01376 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Wool, Cashmere Color: Blue, Pearl ...
Balmain Silver Metallic Cropped Knit Sweater
By Balmain
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Balmain Silver Metallic Cropped Knit Sweater is a stunning addition to any fashion-forward wardrobe, brilliantly blending luxurious texture with contemporary style. Crafted from ...
Balmain, Striped lurex turtle neck
By Balmain
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balmain, Striped lurex turtle neck with metal buttons. The item is in very good condition. * CONDITION: very good condition * SIZE: XL * MEASUREMENTS: length 73 cm, width 54 cm,...
BALMAIN black wool & silk FAUX WRAP SIDE BUTTON Sweater 42 L
By Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Balmain faux wrap sweater in lightweight black wool (70%) and silk (30%) blends luxurious softness with the house’s iconic detailing. Featuring a deep V-neckline ...
Balmain, Hooded zip up jacket with graphical print
By Balmain
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balmain, Hooded zip up jacket with graphical print. The item is in very good condition.
Balmain, checked knit dress in black and white
By Balmain
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balmain, checked knit dress in black and white with gold hardware. The item is in very good condition.
$195Sale Price|35% Off
BALMAIN 100% linen navy stripe gold military button distressed sweater XS
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN 100% linen navy stripe gold military button distressed sweater XS Reference: TGAS/A05562 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Model: Distressed sweater Material: Linen ...
Balmain Black Button Detail Turtleneck Jumper Size L
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to the jumper is evident on this used Balmain designer resale item. Details Black Wool Long sleeves jumper Fine k...
BALMAIN Size M Black Red White Graphic Cotton Hoodie Sweatshirt
By Balmain
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALMAIN sweatshirt in a black and red cotton featuring a graphic print with logo, hooded style, and zip kangaroo pocket. Made in Portugal.Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Distress is a...
BALMAIN Size L Green Sage Cotton Blend Jersey Logo Crew Neck Pullover
By Balmain
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALMAIN sweatshirt in a sage green cotton stretch blend jersey featuring a metallic gold tone logo print, matching gold tone monogram shoulder button details, and crew neck.New with ...
Balmain Logo Cotton Zip-Up Cardigan
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
Balmain Logo Cotton Zip-Up Cardigan Dark blue cardigan with black leather logo patch to the chest and 'Balmain' signature to rear. Branded zip fastening along the centre, ribbed hi...
$315Sale Price|25% Off
BALMAIN yellow blue checkerboard barocco neoprene pullover FR38 M
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN yellow blue checkerboard barocco neoprene pullover FR38 M Reference: ALCU/A00023 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Neoprene Color: Multicolour Pattern: Che...
Junya Watanabe Comme des Garcons Black Wool Turtle Neck Big Snap Pullover Large
By Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Junya Watanabe Comme des Garcons black wool turtle neck big snap pullover sweater/top. Extra long turtle neck over size pull over sweater/top. Long straight sleeves, set more to the ...
Gucci TomFordAwardYear DrapedSuedePlungingVneck Leather&Knit PulloverTop, FW2001
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Chicago, IL
For his Gucci Fall/Winter 2001 collection, Tom Ford designed this sleek leather-and-knit pullover that features a plunging V-neck collared suede front, which drapes in a reverse V-sh...
Bernhard Altmann 1950s Bejeweled Spiders Cashmere Sweater
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous black cashmere cardigan sweater from Bernhard Altmann. It has long sleeves and a matching mother of pearl button front closing. It is amazing covered in elaborate colorfu...
$360Sale Price|20% Off
ALAIA forest green lightweight wool bateau neck pullover sweater FR36 S
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALAIA forest green lightweight wool bateau neck pullover sweater FR36 S Reference: SNKO/A00569 Brand: Alaia Material: Wool Color: Green Pattern: Solid Closure: Pullover Made in: Ital...
S/S 2005 Valentino Garavani Faux Pearl Sage Green Taupe Cardigan Tank Knit Set
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Valentino Garavani’s Spring/Summer 2005 collection, this sage green knit sweater set includes a fitted tank and a matching cardigan. The cardigan features a deep scoop neckline,...
$210Sale Price|30% Off
MARC JACOBS grey wool cashmere embellished trim cardigan sweater XS
By Marc Jacobs
Located in Hong Kong, NT
MARC JACOBS grey wool cashmere embellished trim cardigan sweater XS Reference: LNKO/A02537 Brand: Marc Jacobs Designer: Marc Jacobs Material: Wool, Cashmere Color: Grey Pattern: Soli...
F/W 1997 Gucci by Tom Ford Semi-Sheer Brown Wool V-Neck Stretch Ribbed Sweater
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This sweater from Gucci's Fall/Winter 1997 collection, designed by Tom Ford is crafted from brown wool. The sweater features a stretch ribbed knit for a slim, flattering fit and a cl...
F/W 2001 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Black Ribbon Runway Sweater
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black ribbon Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche sweater top, designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 2001 collection, this top debuted as part of look 9, modeled...
$247Sale Price|25% Off
ACNE STUDIOS 2016 Isa grey wool chunky turtleneck ribbed sweater XS
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ACNE STUDIOS 2016 Isa grey wool chunky turtleneck ribbed sweater XS Reference: GEGG/A00057 Brand: Acne Studios Collection: AW 2016 Material: Wool Color: Grey Pattern: Solid Closure: ...
$1,152Sale Price|20% Off
VALENTINO 2024 black virgin wool boucle yarn sleeves turtleneck sweater S
By Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO 2024 black virgin wool boucle yarn sleeves turtleneck sweater S Reference: AAWC/A01412 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Collection: 2024 Material: Virgin Wool...
$960Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES black 100% cashmere lambskin leather belted knit cardigan FR34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES black 100% cashmere lambskin leather belted knit cardigan FR34 XS Reference: SNKO/A00555 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere, Leather Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closure: Belt Ma...
RALPH LAUREN Size S Green Cashmere Cable Crew Neck Sweater
By Ralph Lauren
Located in San Francisco, CA
RALPH LAUREN BLACK LABEL sweater in a moss green cashmere knit featuring a cable knit design, long sleeves, and crew neck.God Pre-Owned Condition. Moderate pilling. Marked: S M...
BALMAIN Size M Black Zodiac Horse Print Multi Color Astrology Cotton Hooded Sweatshirt
By Balmain
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALMAIN "Zodiac Horse Print" sweatshirt in a multicolor cotton featuring an astrology print with horses, hooded style, side gold tone zipper details, and front zipped kangaroo pocket...
Balmain Red Wool Knit Buttoned Turtleneck Jumper Size XXL
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Good. Minor wear to jumper is evident. Light wear to the front with small hole to the knit and a missing button at the neck on this used Balmain designer resale item. ...
Balmain Pink Long Cardigan from a Défilé
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Balmain - Pink long cardigan with a golden metal belt buckle. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Chest: 38 cm Waist: 3...
BALMAIN black ribbed pearl jewel crystal embellished cropped cardigan FR36 XS
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN black ribbed pearl jewel crystal embellished cropped cardigan FR36 XS Reference: AAWC/A00621 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Viscose, Polyamide Color: Bl...
BALMAIN black wool & alpaca 2018 FRINGE OVERSIZED Cardigan Sweater 40 M
By Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Balmain open-front cardigan is crafted from a luxurious blend of black chunky-knit virgin wool (80%), alpaca (9%), wool (7%), and acrylic (4%). It features an ove...
Balmain Abstract Pattern Rabbit Fuzzy Sweater Size S
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to the sweater is evident on this used Balmain designer resale item. Details Multicolour Rabbit Sweater Long sleeves ...
Balmain Ecru Turtleneck Button Detail Jumper Size M
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to knitwear is evident. Minor pluck to the weave near the left armhole at the back and light discolouration mark on the left sleeve on this used ...
Balmain Hooded Sweatshirt with Holes - '10s
By Balmain
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This Balmain Hooded Sweatshirt with Holes is perfect for a casual, urban look. It's made from a blend of cotton and polyester for comfort, and has a cool, distressed look with holes....
BALMAIN cream black wool cashmere logo padded shoulder sweater FR34 XS
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN cream black wool cashmere logo padded shoulder sweater FR34 XS Reference: AAWC/A00817 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Collection: AW21 Material: Wool, Cashmere, Bl...
BALMAIN brown leopard jacquard power shoulder gold buttons cardigan FR38 M
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN brown leopard jacquard power shoulder gold buttons cardigan FR38 M Reference: DYTG/A00008 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Viscose Color: Brown, Black Pat...
Balmain Red Logo Embroidered Zip Detail Hoodie Size L
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to hoodie is evident. Minimal marks on the front right side of the pocket and the front inner hemline. Small scratch on the right drawstring hard...
BALMAIN Size S Cream Mohair Blend Chunky Knit Sweater
By Balmain
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALMAIN sweater in a mohair blend cable knit featuring a chunky style, four large gold tone crest buttons on left shoulder, and crew neck. Made in France.Very Good Pre-Owned Conditio...