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.
$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 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...
NWOT Balmain White Long Cardigan with Belt - EU36/S
By Balmain
Located in Krakow, PL
Balmain White Long Cardigan with Belt Sz. EU36 S Never worn. No tags. Closure: Buttons Fit: Straight Decor: Sequins Extra buttons included, original tags preserved Material: 75% V...
Balmain Long Black Cardigan with Luxurious Gold Fringe Sz.38
By Balmain
Located in Krakow, PL
Balmain Long Black Cardigan with Gold Fringe Sz.EU38 / M – Very Good Description: Balmain long-line black cardigan featuring luxurious gold fringe detailing. Crafted from a viscos...
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...
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 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 ...
$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, Logo merino knit jumper in blue
By Balmain
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balmain, Logo merino knit jumper in blue. The item is in very good condition.
Balmain, Hooded zip up jacket with graphical print
By Balmain
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balmain, Hooded zip up jacket with graphical print. The item is in very good condition.
Balmain, checked knit dress in black and white
By Balmain
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balmain, checked knit dress in black and white with gold hardware. The item is in very good condition.
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 White Wrap Cardigan with Belt - Size36/ S
By Balmain
Located in Krakow, PL
Balmain White Wrap Cardigan with Belt – Size FR36 / S Condition: Very good Description: Minimal signs of wear Fit: Fitted Material: 98% viscose, 2% elastane; secondary material ...
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 ...
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, hooded bomber jacket in black
By Balmain
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balmain, hooded bomber jacket in black. The item is new with tag.
Balmain, black hooded cardigan with embossed logo
By Balmain
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balmain, black hooded cardigan with embossed logo. The item is new with tag.
$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 ...
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...
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 ...
$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 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...
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...
GUCCI Mystic Cat Oversize Hoodie
By Gucci
Located in Iba, PH
This relaxed Gucci hoodie showcases a printed vintage-effect logo across the chest and features the new season's Mystic Cat motif, embellished with shimmering sequins. It includes a ...
$495Sale Price|34% Off
L 42 in
Italian Couture Missoni Long Belted Cardigan Sweater Coat with Wide Half Sleeves
By Missoni
Located in Tustin, CA
Long, belted, heavy knitted cardigan sweater coat from couture Italian high end fashion designer, Missoni features a subtle pattern of light and dark gray mohair wool. Sweater has a...
$880Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES white cotton & cashmere Jacquard Cardigan Sweater 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermès light knit cardigan in clay cotton (85%) cashmere (15%) with a strap-pattern, round neckline, straight fit, ribbed cuff and hem. Unlined. Closes with button fastening in the f...
Jean Paul Gaultier 2000's Knitted Brown Hooled Cardigan
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Caserta, IT
- Designed by Jean Paul Gaultier - Early 2000's - Knitted Brown Cardigan - Hooled design - Oversize fit - Very good condition - Size is O/S for WOMAN. - Made in Italy - Color: Brown...
HERMES dark brown camel hair THICK TURTLENECK Sweater 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes turtleneck sweater in dark brown camel hair (100%). With ribbed details and raglan sleeves. Has been worn and is in excelllent condition. Ta...
Jean Paul Gaultier A/W 1995 Cyber Wool Turtleneck
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Caserta, IT
- Designed by Jean Paul Gaultier - A/W 1995 - Cyber Wool Turtleneck - Checkered pattern at the shoulders - Cyber matrix patter - High neckline - Good condition: some small holes not...
JIL SANDER grey cashmere Turtleneck Sweater L
By Jil Sander
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Jil Sander turtleneck sweater in gray cashmere (100%). Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Tag Size L Size L Shoulder Width 38cm (14.8in) Bust 90cm (35.1in) ...
F/W 2000 Christian Dior by John Galliano Slashed Floral Cropped Sweater
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Austin, TX
DESIGNER: F/W 2000 Christian Dior by John Galliano slashed floral cropped sweater Asymmetrical design Mohair-Nylon-Wool Made in France Condition: Excellent Chest: 52", Waist: 50", Le...
Martin Margiela A/W 1998 Green Cotton Zipped Giant Turtleneck Sweater
By Maison Martin Margiela
Located in Caserta, IT
- Designed by Martin Margiela - A/W 1998 - Runway piece - Green Cotton Turtleneck Sweater - Double zipper in both directions - Giant neckline - Slim fit - Striped design - Very good ...
$2,520Sale Price|20% Off
BRUNELLO CUCINELLI grey cashmere BRAIDED ZIP FRONT Cardigan Sweater M
By Brunello Cucinelli
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Brunello Cucinelli braided zipper cardigan jacket in grey cashmere (100%) with a turtleneck. Closes on the front with a zipper. Lined in polyester. Has been worn and i...
Celine Phoebe Philo Resort 2018 Navy V Neck Sweater Jumper Silk Map – Size Small
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in London, GB
CELINE PHOEBE PHILO RESORT 2018 NAVY V NECK SWEATER WITH SILK MAP BACK SIZE SMALL Celine by Phoebe Philo Resort 2018 v neck sweater in navy wool with long asymmetric map print back ...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN black viscose 2016 GEOMETRIC JACQUARD KNIT Dress S
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Alexander McQueen geometric flared jacquard knit dress in black, dusty rose and burgundy viscose (76%), polyester (16%), polyamide (6%) and elastane (2% - please note ...
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, Lombardia
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...