Balmain

French

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 fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Balmain fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of blue, red, orange and other tones. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Emanuel Ungaro, Karl Lagerfeld, and Christian Lacroix appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Balmain fashion from top boutiques around the world. Balmain fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $101 and tops out at $12,200, while the average work can sell for $940.

Designers Similar to Balmain

Christian Lacroix

Shop All Christian Lacroix Fashion

Lanvin Paris

Shop All Lanvin Paris Fashion

Stella McCartney

Shop All Stella McCartney Fashion

Giorgio Armani

Shop All Giorgio Armani Fashion

Escada

Shop All Escada Fashion

Marc Jacobs

Shop All Marc Jacobs Fashion

Maison Martin Margiela

Shop All Maison Martin Margiela Fashion

Gianfranco Ferré

Shop All Gianfranco Ferré Fashion

Yohji Yamamoto

Shop All Yohji Yamamoto Fashion

Questions About Balmain

How do Balmain shirts fit?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The fit of a Balmain shirt is dependent on its silhouette and fabric. Refer to the measurements and product description on the brand’s website for recommendations on sizing. If you do a fair amount of online apparel shopping, experts suggest that you gather accurate body measurements using a tape measure. Shop a range of Balmain shirts from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 29, 2024
Balmain shirts fit well according to online testimonials. The shirts offered by the French luxury brand generally feature a modern semi-fitted cut. Dress shirts may be a slim fit but they aren’t constricting or skinny. If you prefer a looser fit, you may wish to purchase a Balmain shirt one size larger than what you normally buy. Size charts are available on Balmain's official website. On 1stDibs, find a selection of vintage Balmain shirts.
Are Balmain Paris sneakers made in China?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, while the majority of Balmain’s ready-to-wear collection is manufactured in Europe, most of Balmain’s footwear is made in China with some of the leather styles produced in Italy. Shop a collection of Balmain sneakers from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Are Balmain sunglasses polarized?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Sometimes. Balmain offers many styles of polarized sunglasses as well as non-polarized sunglasses to suit your needs and personal preferences. Polarization is typically identified in the name or features of the particular style of sunglasses. On 1stDibs, find a range of authentic Balmain sunglasses from top sellers.
Do people wear a Balmain jacket without closing it?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, styling your Balmain jacket depends on your personal preference. If you are opting for a more casual look, or you simply want to show off your layers underneath, wearing a Balmain jacket open can be a fun option. Browse a range of Balmain jackets on 1stDibs.
How do Balmain dresses fit?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Some Balmain dresses tend to run small and you may need to order up a size to find the right fit. Check the Balmain size chart on their website before ordering to ensure your dress will fit properly. Browse a range of Balmain dresses from top boutiques around the world on 1stDibs.
Where can I buy Balmain jeans?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Balmain features an official website you can shop from. They have also partnered with retailers around the world that offer their jeans. You can browse 1stDibs to find a range of authentically vetted Balmain jeans from some of the top boutiques worldwide.
Who designs Balmain jeans?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Olivier Rousteing designs Balmain jeans. He became the creative director of the brand in 2011. Rousteing worked for Roberto Cavalli for six years before coming to Balmain in 2009. You can shop for a variety of Balmain apparel on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The creative director of Balmain is Oliver Rousteing. Balmain denim continues to be one of the most highly coveted garments from the brand due to their high-end tailoring and unique silhouettes. Browse a wide range of authentic Balmain jeans from some of the world’s top retailers on 1stDibs.
Where is Balmain located?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The headquarters of Balmain are located in Paris, France, where the brand was founded in 1945 by designer Pierre Balmain. There is an array of official Balmain stores worldwide. Browse a collection of expertly vetted Balmain products from top boutiques on 1stDibs.
Who is Balmain?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024
Balmain is an iconic French couture house founded by Pierre Balmain in 1945. The brand became known for its luxurious bell-shaped skirts and sophisticated cocktail dresses that drew on elegant ballet dancer costumes. It was among the first to offer French looks to the American market. 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. Shop a collection of vintage Balmain from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How do I get Balmain x H&M?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The Balmain x H&M collaboration was a limited edition collection launched in 2015. The collaboration is no longer in production. However, secondhand options are available through authorized retailers. Browse a selection of authentic Balmain garments on 1stDibs.
What is Balmain Paris?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024
Balmain Paris is an iconic French couture house founded by Pierre Balmain in 1945. Balmain, which became known for its bell-shaped skirts and sophisticated cocktail dresses that drew on elegant ballet dancer costumes, was among the first to offer French looks to the American market. Since the death of the founder in 1982, the design reins at the company 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. Shop a collection of vintage Balmain from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Is Balmain and Pierre Balmain the same?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024
Pierre Balmain was the founder of Balmain, an iconic haute couture house based in Paris, France. 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. Pierre died in 1982, and the company is now owned by Mayhoola for Investments.

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.
Is Balmain streetwear?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024
No, Balmain is not usually considered streetwear.

Streetwear generally refers to casual, comfortable and stylish apparel and accessories. It's heavily influenced by popular culture, and pioneering streetwear brands such as Stüssy and Supreme are forever intertwined with surfing and skating (thanks to high fashion's love affair with streetwear, black hoodies and graphic tees have certainly seen their fair share of runway time). Balmain, on the other hand, is a haute couture house founded by Pierre Balmain in 1945 that gained international acclaim for its elegant postwar gowns and full, luxurious skirts.

However, as often as today's Balmain offers ultra-feminine evening dresses and sharply tailored blazers, there are bold and edgy designs that aren't commonly associated with legacy haute couture labels. The brand's Resort menswear collection, which debuted in 2019, offered plenty of hoodies, dazzling graphic patterns and denim. And fashionistas can't help but clamor for the brand's t-shirts, military-style jackets and biker jeans.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Balmain clothing and accessories.
Is Balmain in Dubai Mall real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
Yes, the Balmain in Dubai Mall is real. There is a Balmain flagship boutique located on the ground floor of Dubai Mall. In the "store locator" section of the United Arab Emirates version of Balmain's official website, the location of this flagship store is listed as follows: Financial Center Road, The Dubai Mall, Fashion Avenue, Ground Floor.

Balmain, an internationally celebrated postwar fashion label, was founded in 1945 by French fashion designer Pierre Balmain. Find vintage Balmain evening dresses, jackets and other clothing and accessories offered by expertly vetted sellers on 1stDibs.
Is Balmain black owned?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
No, Balmain is owned by the investment firm Mayhoola for Investments, which is based in Qatar. It is currently headed by creative director Olivier Rousteing, a Black designer. Shop for expertly authenticated Balmain products from top boutiques around the world on 1stDibs.
How do Balmain biker jeans fit?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Sizing of Balmain biker jeans can vary based on the style, so it is best to check the sizing chart on the brand’s website for specific measurements as you shop for a particular style of biker jeans. Browse a selection of properly vetted Balmain biker jeans from top boutiques on 1stDibs.
Do Balmain jeans stretch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Sometimes. Many styles of Balmain jeans offer comfortable stretch in their material. This is usually identified in the name of the particular style of Balmain jeans. Shop a variety of expertly authenticated Balmain jeans from top boutiques around the world on 1stDibs.
Does Balmain repair clothes?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
No, Balmain does not offer clothing repair services. Balmain does offer a return service for new items that arrive damaged or defective, as long as they are notified within 20 days of you receiving the item, and as long as it is returned unused with tags attached. Browse a wide selection of Balmain clothing from top sellers on 1stDibs.
How do I tell if Balmain jeans are fake?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The key factor in identifying fake vs. real Balmain jeans is the level of quality. Fake Balmain jeans may feel lighter, have messy stitching and come in sub-standard packaging. Find a selection of Balmain jeans on 1stDibs that have been expertly vetted to ensure authenticity.