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.
Yohji Yamamoto FW 2020 Runway Distressed Corset
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Mentone, CA
An iconic piece from Yohji Yamamoto's Fall/Winter 2020 collection, this distressed corset exemplifies the designer's signature approach to deconstructed tailoring and avant-garde sil...
Gucci x Tom Ford F/W 2003 Silk Ruched Top Blouse
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Melbourne, VIC
Prémode presents Gucci x Tom Ford F/W 2003 Silk Ruched Top Everything is romantic, including this absolutely divine silk top from Gucci x Tom Ford Fall/Winter 2003 collection. Cut f...
Hermès Margiela Era Vintage Brown Scarf Shirt Sz IT38
By Hermès
Located in Melbourne, VIC
From Martin Margiela’s revered tenure at Hermès, this vintage brown scarf shirt embodies the quiet luxury that defined the house during the late 1990s. Crafted in France from fluid s...
Tao Comme Des Garcons 2005 Wool Corset w Gathered Bust
By Comme des Garçons
Located in Mentone, CA
A coveted piece from Comme Des Garçons' 2005 archive, this wool corset merges Victorian restraint with Rococo extravagance. The structured bodice employs gathered fabric at the bust ...
John Galliano navy pinstripe silk shirred blouse and fishtail skirt set, ss 2002
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
▪ John Galliano navy and cream silk blouse and skirt set ▪ Deconstructed blouse with shirred detail ▪ Matching mid-length fishtail skirt with black cotton Broderie Anglaise trim at h...
Prada Spring / Summer 2008 Runway James Jean Fairy Print Top in Green Silk
By Miuccia Prada, Prada
Located in London, GB
PRADA S/S 2008 RUNWAY JAMES JEAN FAIRY PRINT TOP IN GREEN SILK 44 IT Look 1 from the Prada Spring / Summer 2008 runway collection. Iconic James Jean fairy illustration button up sho...
Late Victorian Beaded Velvet Jacket with Puffed Sleeves
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional jacket dates to circa 1895, firmly within the Late Victorian / early Belle Époque period, when exaggerated sleeve volume and tightly corseted waists defined fashiona...
Valentino Organza Bow Top, SS 2008
By Valentino
Located in Marlborough, GB
Valentino black knit top with silk organza bow, Spring Summer 2008 Stretch fabric in a cotton viscose blend, with two thin shoulder straps and a silk organza layer which sits off the...
$22,051
Size: Small - Medium
Gianni Versace multicoloured oroton metal chainmail evening tunic, fw 1984
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianni Versace multicoloured Oroton chainmail evening tunic ▪ 100% Aluminium, 100% Silk ▪ Wide sleeves ▪ Silk trim ▪ Size Small - Medium ▪ Fall-Winter 1984
2002 f/wGucci by Tom Ford Silk Lace-Up Top new w/tag
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Hong Kong, HK
2002 f/wGucci by Tom Ford Silk Lace-Up Top New with tag Size 42, fits XS-M
Unavailable|$2,549
Size: IT 38 - FR 34 - UK 6 - US 2
Prada grey jersey evening vest with crystal embellishments, ss 2010
By Prada
Located in London, GB
▪ Prada grey jersey evening vest ▪ 83% Polyester, 13% Nylon, 4% Other Fibers ▪ Crystal and gem embellishments ▪ Zip back fastening ▪ IT 38 - FR 34 - UK 6 - US 2 ▪ Spring-Summer 2010
Vivienne Westwood SS 1992 Black Button Up
By Vivienne Westwood Gold Label
Located in Avon, CT
- Guaranteed 100% Authentic. - Great preowned condition. - Description: Black stretchy button up with light brown buttons with orb engraved and Peter Pan collar. - Size: fits 36...
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 Balmain, Pierre 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. ...