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.
Pierre Balmain Silk Safety Pin Dress
By Pierre Balmain, 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...
Pierre Balmain White Bodycon Dress
By Pierre Balmain, 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...
Balmain Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Dress, Beaded Embroidery, Size 36
By Balmain, Pierre Balmain Haute Couture
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Pierre Balmain Haute Couture (N°132-027) Dress composed of silk chiffon, embroidered with beads and sequins. Back zip closure. Additional information: Dimensions: Bust: 36 cm (14....
Pierre Balmain New Lace Up Bandage Dress
By Balmain, Pierre Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black bandage dress from Pierre Balmain. It is fitted and has a plunging front neckline with adjustable lacing through to the waist. There is lacing along the tops of th...
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...
Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Viscose Embroidered Dress
By Pierre Balmain, Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Pierre Balmain Haute Couture - Evening dress in viscose embroidered with pearly beads. No composition or size tag, it fits a size 36FR/38FR. Additional information: Dimensions: B...
Balmain LaceUp YellowGoldEyelets&BoldZip RedOrange Bodycon Knit 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 yellow-gold eyelets that line both seamless s...
Balmain Couture Dress in Silk Crepe and Transparent Black Lace, circa 1990s
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Balmain - Haute Couture dress in silk crepe and transparent black lace. No size indicated, it fits a 40FR. Circa en of the 1990s/ beginning of the 2000s, under the artistic direction...
Pierre Balmain New Geometric Print Lace up Dress
By Balmain, Pierre Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous geometric ikat print stretch dress from Pierre Balmain in red, blue, yellow, black and white. It has long sleeves and a V neckline with functional black lacing to...
NWT Pierre Balmain Sz 40 / 8 Chainmail One Shoulder Grey Wool Metal Mesh Dress
By Pierre Balmain, Balmain
Located in San Diego, CA
Brand new with tags early 2000s PIERRE BALMAIN gray wool and cashmere one shoulder chain mail cocktail dress! Features one shoulder of metal mesh chainmail, produced by Whiting & Dav...
Pierre Balmain Haute Couture dress 1983
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
BALMAIN - (Made in France) Pencil dress, round neckline embellished with silver bead and sequin embroidery. The skirt has a rounded slit. No size indicated, fits a 36/38. Haute Coutu...
$1,666Sale Price|30% Off
Balmain Women's Black Suede Dress with Silver Tone Buttons, Size FR 36
By Balmain
Located in Capri, IT
Balmain black suede silver tone buttons dress totally made in france in size fr 36
Pierre Balmain One Sleeve Dress with Side Cut outs
By Pierre Balmain, Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black bodycon bandage dress from Pierre Balmain. It has one sleeve and a series of diamond shaped cut outs from under the bust to the hips on one side. The skirt is stra...
BALMAIN 2023 black white houndstooth gold lion button halter mini dress FR34 XS
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN 2023 black white houndstooth gold lion button halter mini dress FR34 XS Reference: AAWC/A00701 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Collection: 2023 Material: Viscose,...
Pierre Balmain Black Mini Dress with Studs
By Balmain, Pierre Balmain
Located in Milano, IT
An elegant statement with a bold twist: this black dress by Pierre Balmain perfectly captures the brand's sophisticated yet edgy aesthetic. Crafted from a structured fabric that enha...
$480Sale Price|20% Off
BALMAIN metallic silver coated cream argyle knit mini dress FR34 XS
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN metallic silver coated cream argyle knit mini dress FR34 XS Reference: YIKK/A00174 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Viscose Color: Silver, Cream Pattern: ...
1980s Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Linen Monochrome Coat Dress
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
A sophisticated 1980s haute couture mid-length dress cut from black linen by Pierre Balmain circa 1984-1986. Made by hand in France, it is tailored with a cross-over front and off-ki...
Balmain Runway Embellished Mirror Knit Dress Medium IT 42 Black Viscose Blend
By Balmain
Located in Miami, FL
- Black exterior - Tagged size 42 - Made of 83% viscose 17% polyester Condition: The dress is in overall great condition with no major imperfections Measurements: ( Approx...
Balmain dress Haute Couture Fall-Winter 1984
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
BALMAIN - (Made in France) Pleated black silk and velvet evening dress partially embroidered with pearls and sequins. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 38FR. 1984 Fall-W...
$2,208Sale Price|20% Off
rare BALMAIN blue white tweed pearl bead embellished plunge mesh dress FR34 XS
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare BALMAIN blue white tweed pearl bead embellished plunge mesh dress FR34 XS Reference: YIKK/A00214 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Cotton, Blend Color: Blue, ...
Balmain dress Resort 2020
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
BALMAIN - Long silk dress printed with white dots on a black background. Size 36FR. 2020 Resort Collection, under the artistic direction of Olivier Rousteing. Condition: Very good c...
Balmain Black Wool Single Breasted Blazer Mini Dress
By Balmain
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Black single button suit dress - padded shoulders Size 40 Bust 34" Waist 31" Hips 40" Length 34" Back zip closure - faux front button Button sleeve details Great overall condit...
Balmain Stretchy Jacquard Dress - '10s
By Balmain
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elevate your evening wear in this Balmain dress. Crafted from a viscose blend, the stretchy jacquard fabric in black effortlessly hugs your curves for a flattering fit. With a round ...
Balmain Womens Polka Dot Mini Dress FR 42 Black White Gold Button Double Breast
By Balmain Paris, Balmain
Located in Miami, FL
- Black exterior - Tagged size 42 - Made of 86% viscose 10% polyamide 10% elastane Condition: The dress is in overall decent condition there are minor fabric discolorati...
Balmain dress Haute Couture 1985s
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
BALMAIN - (Made in France) Green silk satin evening dress sewn with rhinestones. A Haute Couture Collection circa 1985 under the artistic direction of Erik Mortensen. Composition and...
BALMAIN multicolor pink tweed black velvet buttons vest dress FR34 XS
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN multicolor pink tweed black velvet buttons vest dress FR34 XS Reference: AAWC/A01284 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Polyamide, Blend Color: Pink, Multic...
$960Sale Price|20% Off
BALMAIN black gold Lion Heart metallic tweed Aline swing mini dress FR34 XS
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN black gold Lion Heart metallic tweed Aline swing mini dress FR34 XS Reference: AAWC/A01447 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Viscose, Blend Color: Black, G...
Balmain Runway Mini Dress Size 40 Black Shinny Glitter Gold Fringe Viscose
By Balmain
Located in Miami, FL
- Gold and black exterior - Tagged size 40 - Made in Italy Condition: The dress is in overall decent condition with no major imperfections Measurements: ( Approximately In...
Balmain Fringed Gold Sequined Mini Dress
By Balmain
Located in Brossard, QC
Step out of the car and waltz into your next event with Balmain's eye-catching mini dress. With golden sequins and dazzling fringe, this overly embellished statement piece will carry...
Balmain by Christophe Decarnin destroyed jersey and metal mini dress, ss 2010
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
▪ Balmain destroyed khaki green jersey mini dress ▪ Designed by Christophe Decarnin ▪ Rippings and holes allover the fabric ▪ Destroyed metal chain...
Pierre Balmain Maxi Dress Haute Couture
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Balmain - (Made in France) Maxi robe Haute Couture avec traine en organza entièrement soutaché de raphia. Applications de fleurs en soie jaune à feuilles baleinée vertes. Etiquette d...
$3,728Sale Price|30% Off
Balmain Navy sequined mini dress with silver chains
By Balmain
Located in Capri, IT
Balmain Navy sequined mini dress with silver chains at round neck attached. Embellished with padded puff shoulders on a three-quarter length sleeves with exposed silver zips at cuffs...
$1,170Sale Price|25% Off
BALMAIN 2023 black striped chenille gold lion button mesh mini dress FR34 XS
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN 2023 black striped chenille gold lion button mesh mini dress FR34 XS Reference: AAWC/A00699 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Collection: 2023 Material: Viscose, Pol...
BALMAIN ethnic tribal knitted lace V-neck bodycon mini dress FR38 M
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN ethnic tribal knitted lace V-neck bodycon mini dress FR38 M Reference: TGAS/A05525 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Collection: Runway Material: Viscose Color: Mult...
$2,640Sale Price|33% Off
Balmain Fully Embellished "Taking Over" Cocktail Dress size 40
By Balmain
Located in Montgomery, TX
Balmain sequined cocktail dress with "Taking Over" text at left shoulder. Designer size - 40 Deep V neckline, Long sleeves; zipper cuffs. Padded shoulders. Fully lined in Silk, Back...
$1,674Sale Price|30% Off
Balmain black dress crystal swarovski stones dress
By Balmain
Located in Capri, IT
Balmain black dress crystal swarovski stones dress size S
Vintage Pierrre Balmain Black Dinner Dress
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
A chic dinner dress by Balmain. In a seersucker like fabric with silk lining. This dress is beautifuly made with an outer zip to waist leval and internal...
Balmain dress Summer 2020
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
BALMAIN - Long yellow dress entirely covered by sun-ray pleats. Silvery metal collar with a black round bakelite. Size 38FR indicated. 2020 Spring-Summer Collection, under the artist...
Balmain 'Egyptian' dress Resort 2023
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
BALMAIN - 'Egyptian' dress entirely embroidered with stripes pattern made of blue and golden squared beads. Size 38FR indicated. 2023 Resort Collection under the artistic direction o...
BALMAIN coral pink keyhole neck ribbed flutter skirt mini dress FR34 XS
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN coral pink keyhole neck ribbed flutter skirt mini dress FR34 XS Reference: AAWC/A01272 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Viscose, Blend Color: Pink Patter...
Balmain Womens Mini Dress Sleeveless Halter Top Houndstooth Siz FR 46 Gold Black
By Balmain Paris, Balmain
Located in Miami, FL
- White and black houndstooth exterior - Tagged size 46 - Made of 88% viscose 10% polyamide 2% elastane Condition: The dress is brand new with tags Measurements: ( Approxi...
Balmain Paris White Tweed Long Sleeve Mini Dress FW16 Size 38
By Balmain
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Balmain Paris White Tweed Long Sleeve Mini Dress FW16 Size 38 Balmain Paris delivers Parisian sophistication with this striking white tweed mini dress from the Fall/Winter 2016 coll...
$625Sale Price|20% Off
Balmain Women's Black Viscose Evening Dress Size 40 with Golden Zip
By Balmain
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Viscose (91%) polyamide and elasthane Black color With transparencies Long sleeves Golden zip Maximum length cm 80 (314 inches) Shoulder cm 36 (141 inches) French size 36 italian 40 ...
Balmain dress Resort 2020
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
BALMAIN - Long black silk dress with white dots. Size 36FR. 2020 Resort Collection, under the artistic direction of Olivier Rousteing. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Ch...
BALMAIN grey acid washed denim button embellished wrapped mini dress FR34 XS
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN grey acid washed denim button embellished wrapped mini dress FR34 XS Reference: AAWC/A00700 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Cotton Color: Grey Pattern: S...
Balmain Wool and Silk Black Dress
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Balmain - Dress composed of wool and silk. No composition or size tag, it fits a size 36FR/38FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Shoulders: 41 cm (16.14"), Bust 42 cm (16.53"),...
2015 Balmain Cream and Gold Beaded Black Jersey Maxi-Dress
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
This weighty, embellished dress was designed by creative director Olivier Rousteing for Balmain's Resort 2015 collection. The Vogue review made reference to how the pieces were "lavi...
$318Sale Price|40% Off
BALMAIN blue wool crystal rhinestone embellished strap asymmetric dress FR36 S
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN blue wool crystal rhinestone embellished strap asymmetric dress FR36 S Reference: TGAS/B01510 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Model: Crystal strap wool dress Mater...
$928Sale Price|20% Off
BALMAIN Olivier Rousteing 2017 silver studded bead embellished velvet dress L
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN Olivier Rousteing 2017 silver studded bead embellished velvet dress L Reference: TGAS/D00734 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Collection: 2017 Material: Cotton, Ble...
New Balmain Sequin-Embellished Lemon Green Black Color Mini Dress size 38
By Balmain
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Balmain Sequin-Embellished Mini Dress Designer size 38 Fully Sequin-Embellished, Black and Lemon Toxic Green Colors, Overstuffed Shoulder Pads, Fully Lined, Zip Closure Sleeves a...
Balmain Dress Black Knit Silver Chain Mail Mesh Detail 40 / Fits 4 to 6
By Balmain
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Balmain sleeveless black knit dress with a low scoop neck. Varying bands of knit create a unique bandage effect. Some of the bands are semi sheer. 2" silver chain mail...
Balmain, Rainbow stripe knit dress.
By Balmain
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balmain, Rainbow stripe knit dress. This piece has been worn little and is in very good condition. • CONDITION: very good condition • SIZE: FR36 - XS • MEASUREMENTS: length 100 cm...
Pierre Balmain Long Patterned Dress
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Balmain - (Made in France) Long patterned dress. 44FR size indicated but it fits more a 40FR/42FR. Additional information: Condition: Very good condit...
BALMAIN Cocktail Dress in Black Silk Embroidered with Black Sequins Size 38
By Balmain
Located in Paris, FR
Balmain cocktail dress in black silk seam entirely embroidered with black sequins. Short dress at the front and long at the back. Zip closure in silver metal on the back. Size 38. S...
$1,032Sale Price|20% Off
BALMAIN black RUFFLED Long Sleeve Cocktail Dress 36
By Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
Balmain ruffle dress in black polyester (35%) and viscose (65%) with a v-neck, padded shoulders and long sleeves. Closes with a gold zipper on the back. Unlined. Has been worn and is...
F/W 2001 Balmain Haute Couture by Oscar de la Renta Black Guipure Lace Dress
By Oscar De La Renta, Balmain
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Balmain Haute Couture cocktail dress from the Fall/Winter 2001 collection by Oscar de la Renta is constructed by hand in black guipure lace layered over a light brown base. The ...
BALMAIN Size 30 Black Wool Blend Tuxedo Dress Pants
By Balmain
Located in San Francisco, CA
Balmain tuxedo pants. Expertly crafted in Italy from a premium wool blend, this solid black pair features a sophisticated hook and bar closure and unique triple belt loops for a shar...
BALMAIN ROUSTEING black silver thread fluffy military button bodycon dress S
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN ROUSTEING black silver thread fluffy military button bodycon dress S Reference: CC/VAHI00279 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Others Color: Black, Silver ...