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.
Pierre Balmain Silk Safety Pin Dress
By Pierre Balmain, Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful pale yellow silk dress from Pierre Balmain. It is semi fitted skimming the body with a crew neckline and long sleeves adorned along the outside with dozens of silver safety...
Pierre Balmain White Bodycon Dress
By Pierre Balmain, Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous white body conscious bandage dress from Pierre Balmain. It has long sleeves, a square cut neckline, and fabulous ribbed panels accentuating the waist and bust. It is unl...
BALMAIN midnight blue wool 2018 BUTTONED NECK RIB-KNIT Dress 38 S
By Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balmain bodycon knit dress in midnight blue rib-knit wool (with 6% polyester). Features signature structured shoulders, long sleeves, crewneck and pointelle stripes. O...
Balmain Olivier Rousteing Resort 2023 Look 47 Long navy knit dress
By Balmain
Located in CANNES, FR
Balmain X Olivier Rousteing Resort 2023 Collection - Look 47 Long navy stripes knit dress. Size 36.
Balmain Olivier Rousteing Spring 2023 Look 39 MIni printed dress
By Balmain
Located in CANNES, FR
Balmain X Olivier Rousteing Spring/Summer 2023 Collection - Look 39 Strappy mini dress in viscose printed with an ancient fresco motif. Size 34.
Balmain dress with laces
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
BALMAIN - (Made in France) Short black stretch tunic dress with wide long sleeves tightened at the wrist, a V-neck with laces, and fitted at the waist. Size 38FR indicated. Conditio...
Pierre Balmain One Sleeve Dress with Side Cut outs
By Balmain, Pierre Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black bodycon bandage dress from Pierre Balmain. It has one sleeve and a series of diamond shaped cut outs from under the bust to the hips on one side. The skirt is stra...
Pierre Balmain New Geometric Print Lace up Dress
By Balmain, Pierre Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous geometric ikat print stretch dress from Pierre Balmain in red, blue, yellow, black and white. It has long sleeves and a V neckline with functional black lacing to...
Pierre Balmain New Lace Up Bandage Dress
By Balmain, Pierre Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black bandage dress from Pierre Balmain. It is fitted and has a plunging front neckline with adjustable lacing through to the waist. There is lacing along the tops of th...
NWT Pierre Balmain Sz 40 / 8 Chainmail One Shoulder Grey Wool Metal Mesh Dress
By Pierre Balmain, Balmain
Located in San Diego, CA
Brand new with tags early 2000s PIERRE BALMAIN gray wool and cashmere one shoulder chain mail cocktail dress! Features one shoulder of metal mesh chainmail, produced by Whiting & Dav...
Balmain Olivier Rousteing Spring 2020 Mini yellow pleated dress
By Balmain
Located in CANNES, FR
Balmain X Olivier Rousteing Spring/Summer 2020 Collection Yellow pleated cut-out mini dress, cape effect. Approx. size 36 (no size or composition label).
Balmain Black Lambskin Leather Mini Dress Sz.34/ XS
By Balmain
Located in Krakow, PL
Condition: Very good condition Condition details: Minor defect on the lining near the zipper, light stains on the upper lining, and slight scuffing on the lower leather. Details Si...
BALMAIN red viscose RIBBED PANEL LONG SLEEVE MINI Dress 38 S
By Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balmain long sleeve dress in red viscose (81%), polyamide (17%) and elastane (2%). Features lace-up detail at the deep v-neck and padded shoulders. Opens with a golden...
Balmain Tribal-Patterned Lace Up Mini Dress in Multicolor Viscose
By Balmain
Located in Houston, TX
Make a striking impression with the Balmain Tribal-Patterned Lace Up Mini Dress in multicolor viscose, featuring a bold tribal-inspired print and eye-catching lace-up detailing that ...
BALMAIN multicolor GEOMETRIC JACQUARD KNIT BODYCON Dress 38 S
By Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balmain geometric-print jacquard knit mini bodycon dress in multicolor viscose (100%). Features strong padded shoulders, V-neck, long sleeve and empire waist. Closes w...
BALMAIN black viscose CHAIN EMBELLISHED SLEEVELESS MAXI KNIT Dress 36 XS
By Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balmain sleeveless stretch knit maxi dress in black viscose (90%), polyamide (9%) and elastane (1%) Has a gold-tone chain and lace-up detail on the waist, high slit on...
BALMAIN Sequined Leopard Print Mini Dress in Electric Blue & Black - Size FR 38
By Balmain
Located in PARIS, FR
Balmain long-sleeve mini dress featuring an all-over sequin leopard pattern in electric blue and black. Designed with structured shoulders, a deep V-neckline, and an exposed back zip...
Balmain 80's Classic Black Wool Silk Unique Sleeves Dress w / Belt Fr. 36 - US 4
By Balmain
Located in Montgomery, TX
The 80's Will Never Fade Uut of Style!!! Balmain 80's Classic Black & Pink Wool Dress with Belt Fr. size 36 - US 4 100% Wool Lining - 70% Acetate, 30% Silk. Detachable Belt (reversib...
Balmain, Stretch dress with graphic print
By Balmain
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balmain, Stretch dress with graphic print, gold buttons on the shoulder and shoulder pads. The item is new - unworn. • CONDITION: new - unworn • SIZE: FR36 - XS • MEASUREMENTS: l...
BALMAIN faded blue distressed denim silver buttons 4 pocket fitted dress FR34 XS
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN faded blue distressed denim silver buttons 4 pocket fitted dress FR34 XS Reference: YIKK/A00099 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Denim Color: Blue Pattern...
Balmain Red dress size 40
By Balmain
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Cotton (68%), polyamide (29%) and elasthane Red color Black profiles Sleeveless Central zip fake pockets Maximum length cm 80 (31,4 inches) French size 36, italian 40
Pierre Balmain Beige Linen Canvas Dress
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Balmain - Beige linen canvas dress, cord braid ornamented with turquoise-like and coral-like stones. Missing size and composition labels, it fits a 38FR. Additional information: Co...
BALMAIN blue cotton CHAIN DENIM JEANS Dress 40 S
By Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balmain double breasted dress in blue cotton (98%) and polyurethane (2%). Features gold chain straps, a v neck and two faux flap pockets. Opens with a golden zipper on...
Balmain, black stretch knit body con dress
By Balmain
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balmain, black stretch knit lace up detail body con dress. The item is in very good condition. • CONDITION: very good condition • SIZE: FR36 - XS • MEASUREMENTS: length 82 cm, wid...
Balmain Sailor Style Knitted Striped Dress in Navy Blue Polyamide
By Balmain
Located in Houston, TX
Versatile and easy to wear, this knitted dress features a nautical striped pattern for an elevated look that is perfect for any occasion. Pair with a pair of hoop earrings and a boxy...
BALMAIN black cotton FRINGED EMBROIDERED T-Shirt Dress 40 M
By Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balmain asymmetric dress in black jersey cotton (46%), modal (46%) and elastane (8%). Features with rock'n'roll like multicolor embroidery and rhinestone embellishment...
Balmain Resort 2016 Denim Lace Up Mini Dress
By Balmain
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Balmain Resort 2016 Denim Lace Up Mini Dress FR 38 Condition: A few small spots of discoloration on the denim, not noticeable when worn.
Balmain x H&M, green velvet dress
By Balmain
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balmain x H&M, green velvet dress. The item is in very good condition. Light stains at the armpit on the lining.
Valentino New Silk Halter Gown with Waist and Back Cut outs S/S 2007
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous pink silk halter gown from Valentino S/S 2007 collection. It has a halter neckline, fitted ruched woven panels across the bodice with 2 c...
L 36.23 in
Herve Leger Purple Bandage Dress
By Herve Léger
Located in Paris, FR
1990s Herve Leger purple knitted bandage dress featuring a short length, pleats on the body, front bands yokes details, a center back zip on a brown ba...
1980s Diane Freis Silk Blue + Pink Flowers and Plaid Stripes Vintage 80s Dress
By Diane Freis
Located in San Diego, CA
Pretty vintage 80s DIANE FREIS light blue and pink flowers and plaid silk dress ! As a vintage collector, I have always appreciated Diane Freis, as I always know it is a Freis piece ...
JUNYA WATANABE COMME DES GARÇONS Linen Knee-Length Dress
By Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons
Located in New York, NY
JUNYA WATANABE COMME DES GARÇONS Linen Knee-Length Dress Bust: 46" Waist: 42" Hip: 38" Length: 37.5" Fabric: 100% Linen FINAL SALE
Size: Measurements in description
ISSEY MIYAKE 1997 Guest Artist Series No. 2 Nobuyoshi Araki Purple Dress
By Issey Miyake Guest Artist
Located in 上海市, Xuhui district
A pleated polyester 'Appear' dress with image by Nobuyoshi Araki, Guest Artists Series No. 2, 1997 Guest Artist Series No.2 label, printed to front and back with a photograph of a Ja...
1972 Elliette Lewis Purple Cotton Dress Columbo Season 2
By ELLIETTE LEWIS
Located in Paris, FR
Fantastic 1972 ELLIETTE LEWIS (Miss Elliette) thin cotton voile purple dress featuring an off white piping, a center back zip with a center back button. worn by Sandra Smith in Colu...
New Vera Wang Lavender Label Silk Peter Pan Dress Sz 6
By Vera Wang
Located in Conroe, TX
Vera Wang Lavender Label Brand New with Tags * Size: 6 * Ivory Silk Dress with Sheer Black Underlay * Zigzag Stitching & Pleated Details * Sleeveless * Rounded Peter Pan collar * Si...
Alaïa Ribbed Knit Mini Dress, Fall-Winter 1990-1991
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Geneva, CH
This recognizable 90's Alaïa slim-fit viscose ribbed knit celadon mini dress is designed to flatteringly follow the line of the silhouette. The runway dress presented at the 1990-1991 Alaïa's Fall-Winter fashion show (look 74, see picture 8) was almost identical except for a few details such as that it was not ribbed. This unlined piece nips in at the waist and features a contrasting "mini-ribbed" scoop collar, wrists and hemline (see pictures 3, 9 & 11). Labeled a size M, the stretchy fabric will easily accommodate a small L size as well. Made in Italy. Worn in a different colorway by Nicole Richie during her book signing “The Truth about Diamonds” at Virgin Megastore in New York (see pictures 4, 5 & 6), the same dress was seen on Margot Robbie in the infamous “nursery scene” in The Wolf of Wall Street film (see pictures 12 & 13). Definitely a chic and versatile vintage must-have from Azzedine Alaïa ! Fabric contents : 93% Rayon, 5% Nylon & 2% Spandex (Elasthan). Fits approx. : US 2-8 (small US 8) / FR 36-40 (small FR 40) Measurements (taken flat and un-stretched) : Width (shoulder to shoulder) approx. 34 cm (13.4 inches) Width (from armpit to armpit) approx. 34 cm (13.4 inches) Waist approx. 23.5 cm (9.3 inches) Length (shoulder to hem) approx. 86.5 cm (34.1 inches) Sleeve length approx. 56.5 cm (22.2 inches) Total length approx. 91.5 cm (36 inches) This item has been professionally cleaned, pressed & carefully inspected by a couture-trained seamstress before being sold. Credit photos : Picture n° 8 -> unknown model via Vogue Runway / Condé Nast Archive at the Alaïa Fall-Winter 1990-1991 fashion...
Thierry Mugler Rare Black w/ Coral Inserts Petal Dress Rare Collectible
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare circa 1989-90 Thierry Mugler petal dress. During this period the designer created a few different versions of this style of which this ...
New Alexander McQueen F/W 2015 Wool Dress $2425 Sz IT 46
By Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Alexander McQueen
Located in Conroe, TX
Brand New Without Tags Alexander McQueen Heavy Weight Virgin Wool Dress Black Silver and Marigold Embroidered Floral Pattern at Hem $2425 Size: IT 46 The Belt on the Runway is an ...
New Vera Wang Lavender Label Evening Dress Sz 2
By Vera Wang
Located in Conroe, TX
Vera Wang Lavender Label Brand New with Tags * Size: 2 * Metallic Gold & Taupe Dress * V Cut Front & Back * Spaghetti Straps * Back Zip Closur...
New Badgley Mischka Beaded Evening Dress Gown Sz 6
By Badgley Mischka
Located in Conroe, TX
Badgley Mischka Gown Brand New with Tags Bead Trim on Bodice and around waist Zipper and Hook Closure Pleated Bodice V-Shaped Front and Back Top We are happy to provide measurements ...
Balmain dress 1960s
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
BALMAIN - (Made in France) Blue silk muslin and golden lame dress with a belt to highlight the waist. Missing size and composition labels, it fits a 36FR/38FR. Piece from the 1960s. ...
BALMAIN black & gold wool 2020 LUREX PINSTRIPE BLAZER Dress 34 XXS
By Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balmain mini blazer dress in black wool (82%), polyamide (16%) and polyester (2%). Features gold lurex pinstripes, a shawl collar and two welt pockets at the waist. Cl...
Balmain Haute couture SS2000 Black Polka Dot silk Dress US4
By Balmain
Located in PARIS, FR
Pierre Balmain Haute Couture dress SS2000 collection by Gilles Dufour in black silk organza with white polka dots, round neck, sleeveless, slightly asymmetrical shoulders, draped wai...
Balmain Black V Neck Blazer Mini Dress - Size 42
By Balmain Paris, Balmain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Balmain Black V Neck Blazer Mini Dress - Size 42 This fully lined Balmain signature mini dress is made of a black wool, has a V Neck with a cross over sty...
Balmain Long dress size 40
By Balmain
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
100% Lyocell Azure color jeans style Golden buttons Long sleeves Total lenght cm 140 (551 inches) French size 36 italian 40
Balmain Long Dress in Shades of Orange and Black
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Balmain -(Made in France) Long dress in shades of orange and black. No size indicated, it corresponds to a 36FR/38 FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Chest: 45 cm, Waist: 38 cm...
Balmain Baby Blue Rib Knit Mini Dress
By Balmain
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Do not miss out on the Balmain Baby Blue Rib Knit Mini Dress, a chic and comfortable piece that effortlessly combines style and ease. This mini dress features a beautiful and soft b...
Balmain Black and White Heart Print Silk Mini Dress
By Balmain
Located in Geneva, CH
Charming black and white silk print dress from the house of Balmain. The print is realised in 3x sizes heart shape design. It features a "silver-tone metal studs" embellsihed square ...
BALMAIN black viscose 2019 DRAGON ONE SHOULDER MINI Cocktail Dress 40 S
By Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balmain Pre-Fall 2019 mini dress in black viscose (86%), polyamide (12%) and elastane (2%). Features one long sleeve, square textured knit and beaded dragon embroidery...
H 9.85 in W 15.75 in D 6.3 in
BALMAIN black silk CRYSTAL SNAKE EMBELLISHED Maxi GOWN Dress 38 S
By Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balmain crystal embellished strapless evening gown in black silk (100%) with draped bust with padded bra-cups and pleated asymmetrical, ...
new BALMAIN white fine cotton gold military button cinched waist maxi dress FR34
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new BALMAIN white fine cotton gold military button cinched waist maxi dress FR34 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Model Name / Style: Maxi dress Material: Cotton Color: Whi...
Balmain Black Double Breasted Gold Button Mini Coat Dress
By Balmain
Located in Krakow, PL
This coat dress looks stunning with its blazer-inspired design, ten gold-tone front buttons, and twin flap pockets. The dress has a double-breasted flattering silhouette and is sur...