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 Logo Tape Long Sleeve Crop Top FR 44 Black White Viscose Long Sleeve
By Balmain
Located in Miami, FL
- Black exterior - Tagged size 44 in the brand - Made of 90% viscose 9% polyamdie 1% elastane Condition: The top is in overall decent condition please see listing images...
Black & White Balmain Sheer Mesh Hooded Top
By Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Black and white sheer mesh spellout hooded long sleeve top by Balmain. Kangaroo pocket at front. 45" bust, 17.5" shoulder width, 30" length.
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2003 Lime, Turquoise & Black Abstract-Print Wrap Top
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Paris, FR
From the F/W 2003 collection of Roberto Cavalli, this long-sleeved wrap top is executed in a fine, semi-sheer fabric carrying an all-over abstract print that layers reptilian scale m...
F/W 2003 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Black Silk Bell Cuff Scoop Top FR42
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a luxurious black silk satin blouse designed by Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche's Fall/Winter 2003 collection. A large scoop neckline and fabulously oversized ...
A/W2002 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford sheer sleeve top
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A/W2002 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford sheer sleeve top This A/W2002 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford top features a fitted silhouette with dramatic elongated sheer sleeves and a deep...
Vintage 1930's Blouse Red Velvet & Black Silk Top UK 10 US 6
Located in Nashville, TN
This wonderful 1930's crimson red velvet and black crepe blossom is just the perfect piece to add to your vintage collection. The V shaped neckline is framed by crimson red velvet, ...
CHANEL Black Mohair Blend Sleeveless Ruffled Turtleneck Size 42
By Chanel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Chanel dress is composed of a light weight black mohair blend. There are center front button closures at the neck. In excellent condition. Made in Italy. **Please cross-ref...
S/S 1997 Gianni Versace Runway Sheer Pop Art Floral Abstract Tulle Top 40IT
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous bright floral sheer Gianni Versace shirt, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1997 collection, this top debuted on the season's runway as part of...
Vintage Giorgio Armani Black Check Blouse
By Giorgio Armani
Located in London, GB
A fun vintage blouse by Giorgio Armani, in brown , black and white check top. It has an interesting button opening on one side and a three button opening at the back . It has single...
Yves Saint Laurent Black Guipure Haute Couture Lace Blouse, 1990s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible Yves Saint Laurent 1990s Black Guipure Lace Blouse. Features inner lining at bust ending at hip. Side zipper. Top back button and hook. Zipper at either wrist. Excellent c...
S/S 1999 Givenchy by Alexander McQueen Sheer Black Eye Button Up Blouse 44IT
By Alexander McQueen, Givenchy
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Givenchy blouse from the Spring/Summer 1999 collection by Alexander McQueen is cut in a straight, semi-sheer silhouette with long sleeves. It features a button-front closure, co...
Vintage Versace Black & Brass Beaded Top 1990
By Gianni Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Gianni Versace heavily embellished brass colored beaded top that falls off the shoulder into a cap sleeve and side zip closure. Collection 1990. Excellent Vintage Condition....
Bottega Veneta Black Pleated Asymmetrical Corset Top 2014
By Bottega Veneta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection is excited to offer a vintage Bottega Veneta black pleated asymmetrical corset top from 2014, a striking example of the house’s sculptural craftsmanship and refined appr...
Vintage Silk Blouse with Lace Detail
Located in London, GB
A very pretty vintage silk blouse with lace detail. The black blouse has pintuck and lace detail at the back, with two rows of lace at the cuff. The cuffs are two button , and there...
Balmain Khaki Lace Up Top
By Balmain
Located in Krakow, PL
Sz.34 Very good condition.
Balmain Logo Stripe One-Piece Body
By Balmain
Located in Krakow, PL
Very good condition Sz.34
Balmain Black Sleeveless Silk Blended Vest Top - 40
By Balmain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Balmain Black Sleeveless Silk Blended Vest Top - 40 This unique top is in excellent condition. The top is built like a bustier because it has bones on the entire body of the top. Th...
Balmain Embellished Perforated Top
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
This grey silk embellished perforated top from Balmain features a scoop neck, crystal embellishments, a sleeveless design and a straight hem. Colour: Grey Material: Silk (100%)...
80s Pierre Balmain Bustier (38fr)
By Pierre Balmain, Balmain
Located in Port Hope, ON
Wear it with a flowing skirt or a pair of white or black pants, this polyamide/lycra blend bustier is perfect. It is light, has two stays for shaping, gathered material at the front...
Incredible Never Worn Balmain Sequined Striped Top with Gold Chain Detail
By Balmain
Located in Port Hope, ON
Stunning collector's item by the House of Balmain. Navy, white and silver stripes make up this intricate piece. The gold chain detail is throughout the design. Never worn, as new. ...