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 cropped black knitwear with padded shoulders and gold buttoms size 34
By Balmain
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Balmain Cropped knitwear Very cool cut makes body looks slim due to exagerrated shoulders. Beautiful Balmain style gold buttom. Size 34
BALMAIN black & white cotton BUTTONED TURTLENECK Sweater 36 XS
By Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balmain knit sweater in black and white cotton (43%), polyamide (31%) and wool (26%). Features are silver buttons on the shoulders with a m...
BALMAIN Size L Black Orange Blue Tropical Cotton Hooded Zip Up Sweatshirt
By Balmain
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALMAIN sweatshirt in a black, orange, and blue cotton jersey featuring a hooded style, tropical print, and zip up closure.Good Pre-Owned Condition. Minor marks, missing one pocket z...
BALMAIN green & gold wool LUREX TIGER BUTTONED TURTLENECK Sweater M
By Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balmain crewneck sweater in dark green wool (80%), metallized polyester (13%) and nylon (7%) with gold lurex tiger jacquard. Opens at the...
$427Sale Price|25% Off
BALMAIN brown leopard jacquard power shoulder gold buttons cardigan FR38 M
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN brown leopard jacquard power shoulder gold buttons cardigan FR38 M Reference: DYTG/A00008 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Viscose Color: Brown, Black Pat...
BALMAIN Size M Grey Olive Cotton Distressed Hoodie Sweatshirt
By Balmain
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALMAIN sweatshirt in an olive grey cotton featuring a hooded style, distressed design, and double zipper closure. Made in Italy.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Minor marks, distress ...
Balmain Silver Metallic Cropped Knit Sweater
By Balmain
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Balmain Silver Metallic Cropped Knit Sweater is a stunning addition to any fashion-forward wardrobe, brilliantly blending luxurious texture with contemporary style. Crafted from ...
Balmain, Striped lurex turtle neck
By Balmain
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balmain, Striped lurex turtle neck with metal buttons. The item is in very good condition. * CONDITION: very good condition * SIZE: XL * MEASUREMENTS: length 73 cm, width 54 cm,...
BALMAIN black wool & silk FAUX WRAP SIDE BUTTON Sweater 42 L
By Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Balmain faux wrap sweater in lightweight black wool (70%) and silk (30%) blends luxurious softness with the house’s iconic detailing. Featuring a deep V-neckline ...
$195Sale Price|35% Off
BALMAIN 100% linen navy stripe gold military button distressed sweater XS
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN 100% linen navy stripe gold military button distressed sweater XS Reference: TGAS/A05562 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Model: Distressed sweater Material: Linen ...
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
BALMAIN powder blue wool cashmere gold pearl embellished sweater FR36 S
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN powder blue wool cashmere gold pearl embellished sweater FR36 S Reference: AAWC/A01376 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Wool, Cashmere Color: Blue, Pearl ...
Balmain Logo Cotton Zip-Up Cardigan
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
Balmain Logo Cotton Zip-Up Cardigan Dark blue cardigan with black leather logo patch to the chest and 'Balmain' signature to rear. Branded zip fastening along the centre, ribbed hi...
BALMAIN Size L Green Sage Cotton Blend Jersey Logo Crew Neck Pullover
By Balmain
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALMAIN sweatshirt in a sage green cotton stretch blend jersey featuring a metallic gold tone logo print, matching gold tone monogram shoulder button details, and crew neck.New with ...
Balmain Black Button Detail Turtleneck Jumper Size L
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to the jumper is evident on this used Balmain designer resale item. Details Black Wool Long sleeves jumper Fine k...
$315Sale Price|25% Off
BALMAIN yellow blue checkerboard barocco neoprene pullover FR38 M
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN yellow blue checkerboard barocco neoprene pullover FR38 M Reference: ALCU/A00023 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Neoprene Color: Multicolour Pattern: Che...
BALMAIN Size M Black Red White Graphic Cotton Hoodie Sweatshirt
By Balmain
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALMAIN sweatshirt in a black and red cotton featuring a graphic print with logo, hooded style, and zip kangaroo pocket. Made in Portugal.Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Distress is a...
Black Beaded Cardigan
Located in Alford, MA
Black cardigan from the 1950s-'60s embellished with black beads and sequins. Sweater composition is lambswool, angora and nylon and has tiny spherical ...
1950's Pringle of Scotland Cream Cashmere Cardigan with Mink Collar
By Pringle of Scotland
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Darling 1950's Pringle of Scotland honey cashmere cardigan. Beautiful matching honey mink collar, dolman sleeves and lace lining. Filigree clasp wi...
Costume National Mens Woven Strip Mohair Sweater
By Costume National Homme
Located in New York, NY
Costume National Mens Woven Strip Mohair Sweater from the 2000's. Costume National shuttered its line in the last decade but was known for clean, wearable, fashion forward looks. This sweater from the Mens line is unisex and is slightly Japanese/punk in influence. Loosely knit mohair knit is used to create a woven grid of strips mounted on the bias. Simple knit back and sleeves. Great worn with a contrast tone underneath. No Content label, but likely Mohair. Equivalent to a Mens Medium. Length 30...
2013 Chanel Gilet FR44 light wool CC stripes Cardigan UK16 US14
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Long Chanel cardigan circa 2013 by Karl Lagerfeld in ecru wool and cotton jacquard knit with fine red and black stripes, straight cut, 2/3 straight sleeves, 2 buttoned patch pockets ...
John Galliano crochet vest 2004
By John Galliano
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
GALLIANO - Multicolor crochet vest with patchwork panels. Opening at the bottom of one sleeve. Size and composition labels missing; fits a French size 38/40/42. Fall/Winter 2004 Read...
EQUIPMENT Size S Black & Tan Leopard Wool / Silk Pullover
By Equipment
Located in San Francisco, CA
EQUIPMENT FEMME pullover comes in a black & tan leopard wool / silk featuring a crew-neck.Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: S Measurements: Shoulder: 16 inches Bust: 3...
2000s Gianfranco Ferre Leather Eyelet Cardigan Sweater
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Edgy leather eyelet cardigan sweater from Gianfranco Ferre! Black knit fabric accented with leather white eyelets all over! Snaps up the front with matchi...
Hermés 1990s Brazil Scarf Crewneck Blouse
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Saying hello to all the Hermés lovers! Circa 1990s, this silk crewneck features the coveted Brazil motif designed by Laurence Bourthoumieux in 1988. Includes a black ribbed wool trim...
CHANEL Black Knit Jacket Cardigan with Vinyl Trimmings 40
By Chanel
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning Chanel knit cardigan Wonderful patterned crochet knit Wide sleeves Vinly trimmings Two front pockets CC logo plate on pocket Bow tie clos...
Vintage Escada by Margaretha Ley 1990s Caramel Brown Wool Turltleneck Sweater
By Escada, Escada Margaretha Ley
Located in San Diego, CA
The perfect fall and winter sweater! 1990s ESCADA by MARGARETHA LEY rich caramel brown wool turtleneck sweater! Smart tailored fit is stylish while keep...
Tom Ford For Yves Saint Laurent Reptile Snake Print Lightweight Wool Top / Vest
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford
Located in San Diego, CA
Iconic TOM FORD for YVES SAINT LAURENT snakeskin print sleeveless top / sweater vest! Softest lightweight wool, that not only feels luxurious a...
Sequinned Rose Sweater
Located in New York, NY
Charming hand knit ivory wool sweater covered in iridiscent sequins. Roses are sequinned into the pattern and are strewn randomly across front and back. Sweater has been pinned close...
BALMAIN Size M Black Zodiac Horse Print Multi Color Astrology Cotton Hooded Sweatshirt
By Balmain
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALMAIN "Zodiac Horse Print" sweatshirt in a multicolor cotton featuring an astrology print with horses, hooded style, side gold tone zipper details, and front zipped kangaroo pocket...
Balmain Red Wool Knit Buttoned Turtleneck Jumper Size XXL
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Good. Minor wear to jumper is evident. Light wear to the front with small hole to the knit and a missing button at the neck on this used Balmain designer resale item. ...
Balmain Pink Long Cardigan from a Défilé
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Balmain - Pink long cardigan with a golden metal belt buckle. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Chest: 38 cm Waist: 3...
BALMAIN black ribbed pearl jewel crystal embellished cropped cardigan FR36 XS
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN black ribbed pearl jewel crystal embellished cropped cardigan FR36 XS Reference: AAWC/A00621 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Viscose, Polyamide Color: Bl...
BALMAIN black wool & alpaca 2018 FRINGE OVERSIZED Cardigan Sweater 40 M
By Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Balmain open-front cardigan is crafted from a luxurious blend of black chunky-knit virgin wool (80%), alpaca (9%), wool (7%), and acrylic (4%). It features an ove...
Balmain Abstract Pattern Rabbit Fuzzy Sweater Size S
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to the sweater is evident on this used Balmain designer resale item. Details Multicolour Rabbit Sweater Long sleeves ...
Balmain Ecru Turtleneck Button Detail Jumper Size M
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to knitwear is evident. Minor pluck to the weave near the left armhole at the back and light discolouration mark on the left sleeve on this used ...
Balmain Hooded Sweatshirt with Holes - '10s
By Balmain
Located in Milano, IT
This Balmain Hooded Sweatshirt with Holes is perfect for a casual, urban look. It's made from a blend of cotton and polyester for comfort, and has a cool, distressed look with holes....
BALMAIN cream black wool cashmere logo padded shoulder sweater FR34 XS
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN cream black wool cashmere logo padded shoulder sweater FR34 XS Reference: AAWC/A00817 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Collection: AW21 Material: Wool, Cashmere, Bl...
BALMAIN brown leopard jacquard power shoulder gold buttons cardigan FR38 M
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN brown leopard jacquard power shoulder gold buttons cardigan FR38 M Reference: DYTG/A00008 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Viscose Color: Brown, Black Pat...
Balmain Red Logo Embroidered Zip Detail Hoodie Size L
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to hoodie is evident. Minimal marks on the front right side of the pocket and the front inner hemline. Small scratch on the right drawstring hard...
BALMAIN Size S Cream Mohair Blend Chunky Knit Sweater
By Balmain
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALMAIN sweater in a mohair blend cable knit featuring a chunky style, four large gold tone crest buttons on left shoulder, and crew neck. Made in France.Very Good Pre-Owned Conditio...