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.
Vintage Balmain Pearl & Crystal Swirl Brooch 1980s
By Balmain
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Vintage Balmain Swirl Brooch. A stunning lapel adornment from the great Parisian house. Featuring mixed metals for an eye catching look and finished to perfection with crystal and ...
$30,000Sale Price|55% Off
H 1.42 in L 2.25 in
Oscar Heyman 18k Gold & Fancy Yellow Diamond 'Prowling Lion' Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York City, NY
Oscar Heyman 18k yellow gold 'prowling lion' brooch contains a 0.01ct round emerald eye, 22 round diamonds (0.18ct, F-G/VS+), and 154 round fancy yellow diamonds (4.73ct). It is sta...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Oscar Heyman Gold 30 Carat One of a Kind Black Opal Snacking Fish Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York City, NY
Oscar Heyman 18kt yellow gold and platinum brooch contains an extraordinarily fine fancy shape Australian black opal weighing 30.63cts. This unique piece also contains 97 round diamonds (1.08cts, F/ VS) and 1 pear shape black opal...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, Platinum
$11,700Sale Price|35% Off
W 0.67 in L 0.67 in
Oscar Heyman Platinum Union Jack Diamond, Sapphire, and Ruby Lapel Pin
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York City, NY
Oscar Heyman platinum Union Jack flag lapel pin contains custom cut rubies (0.76cts), sapphires (0.64cts) and round diamonds (0.05cts). It is a gently w...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
110 Carat Aquamarine and Ruby Retro Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful large emerald cut aquamarine weighing 110.24 carats set with 27 round rubies in a festive gold plated retro brooch. Lovely and bold.
Aquamarine, Ruby, Gold Plate
Art Deco Silver and Onyx Broach
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Art Deco silver Broach set with a large onyx in the middle and marcasites, English ca 1930's One marcasite is missing, see pictures
Marcasite, Onyx, Silver
Vintage Pearl Art Deco Floral Pendant/Pin/Brooch in 14 Karat Gold
Located in Milford, DE
Art deco pearls adorn this 14K gold triangular brooch/pendant decorated with floral motifs. Can be worn as a brooch, or attached to a chain and worn as a pendant. ... Tags, Marks, ...
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold
Amethyst, Tourmaline, Topaz, and Diamond Pansy Pin, Signed Oscar Heyman Brothers
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Boston, MA
Purple Amethyst, Pink Topaz, Purplish Magenta Tourmaline, and sparkling white diamonds come together in a beautiful display of color to form a unique rendition of Oscar Heyman Brothe...
Diamond, White Diamond, Amethyst, Topaz, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Go...
Mid-19th Century Gold Brooch-Pendant with Agate Cameo
Located in Paris, FR
Cameo on blue-gray agate featuring a young woman looking toward the right. The artist intricately sculpted the white vein of the agate to bring the delicate profile to life. The youn...
Agate, Gold
Sapphire and Diamond Pansy Pin, Signed Tiffany & Co. by Oscar Heyman Brothers
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Boston, MA
Blue, fancy pink sapphires and diamonds are set in 18kt yellow gold and platinum in this whimsically classic floral pansy pin. Consisting of 48 mixed cut blue sapphires, 5 round cut blue sapphires, 30 round cut fancy pink sapphires, and 28 round brilliant cut diamonds. This pin measures approximately 1" in height. Stamped by Oscar Heyman Brothers for "Tiffany & Co.", serial no. "74551". *Shreve, Crump & Low Graduate Gemologist commentary: The Oscar Heyman Brothers pansy pin remains one of the most iconic brooch designs of the 20th century. Created in many combinations of gemstones, these special pins are a staple of any fine jewelry collector's gem box...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold...
Ruby and Diamond Flower Brooch, Signed Oscar Heyman Brothers
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Boston, MA
This whimsical floral motif brooch is comprised of 18 karat yellow and white gold and consists of step-cut rubies having an estimated total weight of 13 carats, 7 round brilliant dia...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Sterling Silver Flower Pin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Art Deco Sterling Silver Flower Pin with Marcasite and Onyx, English ca 1930's
Marcasite, Onyx, Sterling Silver
Schlumberger Tiffany Co. Sapphire, Emerald and Yellow Gold Thistle Brooch
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boston, MA
This late 20th century pin is comprised of full cut blue sapphire, and green emeralds set in 18kt yellow gold in this whimsically classic floral thistle themed design. This pin measu...
Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Balmain flower brooch
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
BALMAIN - Black flower brooch entirely embroidered with blue, purple, and golden rhinestones. Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Diameter: about 14 cm SKU:BR51
Balmain Gold Dragonfly Brooch
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
Crafted from gold-plated metal in the shape of a dragonfly, this lovely, pre-loved brooch is that detail you're looking for to brighten your formal outfit, featuring a practical bar ...