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.
White & Black Balmain Crystal-Embellished Low-Top Sneakers Size 37
By Balmain
Located in New York, NY
White and black low-top sneakers by Balmain. Crystal embellishments at counters. Rubber soles. Lace-up tie closures at top. 1" platform height, 1.5" heel height. Designer Size: 37 U...
Balmain, Brushed suede high top sneakers
By Balmain
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balmain, Brushed suede high top sneakers with python in khaki green. This item has been worn twice and is in very good condition.
Balmain Blue Vintage Floral Silk Scarf
By Balmain
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Balmain Vintage Floral Silk Scarf in light blue. The pattern features flowers in a gold tone. Piece is in excellent condition.
Balmain Reversible Leather Belt With A Logo Buckle
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
Balmain Reversible Leather Belt With A Logo Buckle Reversible belt crafted from calfskin leather in black one side and white to the inner side. Featuring a signature 'Balmain Paris...
Balmain Leather B-Belt
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
Balmain Leather B-Belt White belt crafted from smooth calfskin leather. Featuring signature, large 'B' logo buckle in black. Rrp Approx. £450 Size – 100/115cm Condition – Good (...
$119
W 35.44 in L 78.75 in
Pecan Soft Brown and White Linen Scarf Handwoven By Artisans Neutral Ombre Hues
By Studio Variously
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Pecan linen scarf is an elegant piece that is easy to blend in with most outfits. Classic gift or personal purchase for all round the year, this hand woven scarf also supports artisa...
Coco Brown Soft Classic Modern Artisanal Handwoven Scarf
By Studio Variously
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Coco linen scarf is an elegant piece that is easy to blend in with most outfits. Classic gift or personal purchase for all round the year, this hand woven scarf also supports artisa...
$95Sale Price|26% Off
W 37.41 in L 86.62 in
Auro Cinnabar Women's Soft Linen Handwoven Scarf by Studio Variously
By Studio Variously
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Custom design by Studio Variously, Auro Cinnabar is a light weight soft linen scarf. It is finely handwoven by master artisans in Nepal. A sustainable design brand based out of Michigan, Studio Variously exclusively collaborates with artisan communities to restore & revive ancient techniques by exploring custom modern designs in textile based products. A beautiful translucent appeal is crated by the natural texture of linen which is beautifully handwoven in unique pattern to make the undyed ( white portion ) stand out. Classic in appeal , this piece is a timeless accessory. The dyes used are 100% certified Eco Friendly Swiss dyes making this piece completely biodegradable in nature. Soft in hand feel this light weight translucent scarf is easy to blend in with most outfits and perfect gift or personal wear accessory for indoor, outdoors or travel. Our linen scarves...
$335Sale Price|55% Off
Size: MARKED Size: 41 fits a U.S. Size
New Edmundo Castillo Metallic Leather Espadrille Mule Heels Sz 40
By Edmundo Castillo
Located in Conroe, TX
Rare Edmundo Castillo Brand New * MARKED Size: 41 fits a U.S. Size 10 These Run a Half Size Small * Braided Rope Espadrille insole * Metallic Gold Toe * Wooden Base * 1" Front Platf...
New With Box Gucci Tom Ford Suede Horsebit Pump Heels Sz 10
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford for Gucci Brand New * Stunning Horsebit Heels * U.S. Size: 10 * Brown Suede Heels * Gold Horsebit Hardware * Suede Ankle Ties * Leather Footbed * 4" Heel * With Box and Dus...
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 38
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 38
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New * Tom Ford Lotus Runway Ad Heels * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977... His Fi...
$160Sale Price|50% Off
GUCCI Double Tiger gold tone buckle metallic copper leather skinny belt 75cm 30"
By Gucci
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GUCCI Double Tiger gold tone buckle metallic copper leather skinny belt 75cm 30" Reference: ANWU/A00218 Brand: Gucci Material: Leather, Metal Color: Gold Pattern: Solid Closure: Pin ...
HERMES silk BINGATA Twilly Scarf Scarf Vert Noir Saumon Moutarde
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Bingata twilly by Natsuno Hidaka in Vert Noir (sage green), Saumon (salmon) and Moutard (mustard) silk twill (100%) with de...
Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 1996 Oversized Silver Metal G Logo Buckle Suede Belt
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in BELLEVUE HILL, NSW
Dating to the Tom Ford designed S/S 1996 collection, iterations of this belt appeared on the runway on supermodel Linda Evangelista, in the campaign for the season & modelled by Kate...
New Yves Saint Laurent YSL SS 2005 Avocado Heels Suede Pumps Sz 39
By Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent Debut Collection Brand New Size 39 Spring Summer 2005 * Detachable Feather Embellishment * Leather Insole * Square Toe * 3.5" Heel * With Box...
$1,696Sale Price|30% Off
Size: 37.5
New Fendi Karl Lagerfeld 2014 Ad Runway Fur Boots Booties Sz 37.5 With Box
By Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Conroe, TX
Fendi Calf Hair Fur Boots Karl Lagerfeld 2014 Brand New With Box * Euro: 37.5 * Stunning Rust Colored Calf Hair Boots * Wrap-Around Straps & Concealed Zip Closure at Sides * 4.25" ...
$1,625Sale Price|38% Off
Size: 40
New Fendi Karl Lagerfeld Rare Runway Art Deco Leather Fox Fur Booties Pump Sz 40
By Fendi
Located in Conroe, TX
Brand New W/ Box Rare Fendi by Karl Lagerfeld F/W 2013 Fox Fur Patent Leather Pump Booties Monster Series Size: 40 White Patent Leather White Pink and Black Fox Fur Art Deco Patent L...
BALMAIN cream modal cashmere chain check tromp loeil print scarf
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN cream modal cashmere chain check tromp loeil print scarf Reference: AAWC/A01157 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Modal, Cashmere Color: Cream, Multicolour...
Balmain Leather B-Belt
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
Balmain Leather B-Belt Navy belt crafted from smooth calfskin leather. Featuring signature, large 'B' logo buckle in gold. Rrp Approx. £450 Size – 115cm Condition – Good/ Very G...
Balmain leather belt
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
BALMAIN - (Made in Italy) Wide black leather belt with a Labyrinth buckle at the initials of the brand. Size 70 Condition : Very good condition Dimensions: Size 70 - Width: 8 cm S...
BALMAIN Size 6, B-Troop Black Leather High Top Webbing Sneakers
By Balmain
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALMAIN "B-Troop" sneakers in a black leather featuring a high top style, branded webbing straps with magnetic Fidlock buckles, and lace-up closure. Comes with dust bag.Excellent Pre...
Pierre Balmain Black Velvet Bibi Hat
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
BALMAIN - Black velvet Bibi hat. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Head circumference: 50 cm SKU:CHP29
Balmain Men's B-Belt
By Balmain
Located in Amman, JO
Bold, sleek, and unmistakably iconic—the Balmain white leather belt with a black "B" logo buckle is the ultimate finishing touch to any elevated look. Crafted from smooth white leath...
Balmain Black & White Animal Print Scarf
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the scarf is evident. Five small pulls to the weave across the scarf is evident on this used Balmain designer resale item. Details ...
Balmain, Oversized red sunglasses
By Balmain
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balmain, Oversized Red Sunglasses. This item is in very good condition and comes with box and dust cover. • CONDITION: very good condition • MEASUREME...
Balmain black leather gold tone studs belt
By Balmain
Located in Capri, IT
Balmain black leather gold tone studs belt Size Small
BALMAIN cream modal cashmere chain check tromp loeil print scarf
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN cream modal cashmere chain check tromp loeil print scarf Reference: AAWC/A01157 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Modal, Cashmere Color: Cream, Multicolour...
Blamain Hat in Sea Green Raw Silk Embroidered with Glass Beads
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Blamain (Made in France) Hat composed of sea green raw silk embroidered with glass beads. Silk lining. Additional information: Dimensions: Head circumference: 50 cm (19.68") - Heig...
NEW Balmain Limited Edition Black & Blue High Top Leather Combat Boots 37
By Balmain
Located in Switzerland, CH
Limited Edition Balmain Cell Stellar high-top leather combat boots Sold out immediately Details: Black leather Balmain Cell Stellar high-top combat leather boots Round to Lace-up f...