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.
Valentino Boutique Silk Ruffle Neck Blouse 1980s
By Valentino, Valentino Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous black silk charmeuse blouse shirt by Valentino. It buttons on the side front with delicate black faceted glass buttons and is adorned with layers of beautiful gold flower dotted...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Cotton Off-Shoulders Top F/W 2001 Fr. 34 US 2/4
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Fall/Winter 2001 Ready-to-Wear Collection Size - France 34 (US - 2,4) Measurements: Length - 24 inches, Bust - 30" and up. because of styl...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche 1970s Russian Gypsy Style Wool Tunic and Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Peasant gypsy style wool tunic with matching scarf. Features an all-over daisy-inspired print in rich tones on a dark background. Long sleeves with buttoned cuffs and a tie-neck deta...
$1,664
Size: French size 44
Tom Ford For Yves Saint Laurent A/W 2004 Chinoiserie Pagoda Shoulder Silk Blouse
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in London, GB
- Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche by Tom Ford - From the Autumn/Winter 2004 collection - Tom's final collection for YSL - Referencing Yves Saint Laurent's 1977 Chinese collection ...
1970's THEA PORTER COUTURE silk striped poet blouse
By Thea Porter Couture, Thea Porter
Located in San Fransisco, CA
A late 1970's silk blouse by Thea Porter Couture in sheer black chiffon with narrow vertical stripes woven into the fabric. The striping gives it a linear look while the material sta...
A/W 2002 Alexander McQueen runway sheer silk peplum top
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A/W 2002 Alexander McQueen runway sheer silk peplum top This Alexander McQueen top from the Autumn/Winter 2002 runway collection showcases the designer’s dramatic approach to silhou...
F/W 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Black Sheer Embroidered Runway Tank Top
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a flirty embroidered black babydoll tank top designed by Donatella for the Gianni Versace Fall/Winter 2002 collection. This piece debuted as Look number 24 on Karolina Kurkova and was photographed by Steven Meisel in the season's ad campaign on Amber Valletta...
Prada 2019 Top Soie Marine FR40 Silk Twill Ascot Sleeveless Blouse UK12 US10
By Prada
Located in PARIS, FR
Prada 2019 top in navy blue silk twill with a white geometric print, featuring a lavallière collar fastened with six buttons, and no sleeves. Size IT 44 (FR 40, UK 12, US 10): should...
Roberto Cavalli Top Blouse Intricate Ribbon Vivid Colors 44 / 10 fits 8
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Roberto Cavalli lush floral and abstract print in black, blue, pinks, magenta, green and soft grey. 12 small round gold buttons. All logo e...
Robert Cavalli Camicia Ruffle Top with Balloon Sleeves
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Avant Garde Just Cavalli Camicia Ruffle Top. Buttons up the front. Dramatic flared sleeves with cinched, elasticized cuffs. With ruffle detail at both shoulders. Psychedelic multicol...
1990s Atelier Versace Black White Abstract Beaded Collared Shirt
By Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Atelier Versace sheer top from the 1990s is designed in an abstract black and white motif. It is cut in a fitted silhouette with a lightweight sheer base. The surface is accente...
Vintage Caroline Charles Black Velvet Top / Mini Dress
By Caroline Charles
Located in London, GB
A chic vintage long top or mini dress by Caroline Charles. In a super soft black velvet , the top has an off the shoulder style with boning to produce a lean line . It has cap slea...
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. ...