Skip to main content

Pierre Balmain

French, 1914-1982

Pierre Balmain founded his now-iconic label in 1945. Alongside fellow couture titans Christian Dior and Hubert de Givenchy, the French designer'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. 

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, Balmain's founder 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 that Pierre learned in his brief studies at the École des Beaux Arts served him well throughout his career. 

Balmain was among the first to offer French looks to the American market. Since the death of the founder in 1982, the design reins at the company 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 Pierre Balmain dresses, skirts, scarves and other garments and accessories on 1stDibs.

to
1
3
1
4
1
1
1
1
107
587
344
310
298
4
3
3
Color:  Beige
Designer: Pierre Balmain
Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Silk & Guipure Dress, circa 1970
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Geneva, CH
A wonderful piece of Pierre Balmain haute couture, this effortless cream gown could make a perfect romantic wedding dress ! Cut for a slightly loose fit in the finest quality silk, ...
Category

1970s French Pierre Balmain

A Pierre Balmain woollen Couture Dress Numbered 182888 - Spring Summer 1963
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Spring Summer 1963 France A Pierre Balmain dress in cream wool jersey from the 1960s. Sleeveless dress with straight cut tightened at the waist with loose effect. At the front, ther...
Category

1960s French Pierre Balmain

A Pierre Balmain Ceremonial Satin Evening Dress Bolero and Purse Circa 1950
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1950 France Pierre Balmain Paris evening or ceremony dress with matching bolero and purse from the 1950s. Ivory Duchess satin embroidered with wh...
Category

1950s French Pierre Balmain

1980s Pierre Balmain Jacket
By Pierre Balmain
Located in San Francisco, CA
Black, red and white with gold appliqué 1980s Pierre Balmain woven jacket. Measurements: Shoulder: 17" across Bust: 39" Waist: 33" Sleeve length: 22"
Category

1980s Pierre Balmain

Related Items
ROBERTO CAVALLI long dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Rubiera, RE
ROBERTO CAVALLI Long dress, black background, floral pattern, thin straps. Deep neckline on the back. 90% polyamide/nylon 10% Elastane/Spandex SIZE L Made...
Category

2010s Italian Pierre Balmain

Albert Nipon Early Vintage Rayon Silk Satin 2 Pc Dress Skirt Suit With Black Bow
By Albert Nipon
Located in Portland, OR
This lovely 2 piece dress or suit is from Albert Nipon and we think it's fabulous! We have developed such a new appreciation for Albert Nipon and have been searching for his earlier ...
Category

1980s American Pierre Balmain

1960s Jack Bryan Yellow Silk Rhinestone Beaded 60s A-Line Dress + Jacket Suit
By Jack Bryan by Dupuis, Jack Bryan
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage 1960s JACK BRYAN yellow silk shantung A-Line dress and jacket ensemble! Dress features a tailored bodice with a forgiving A-Line shape skirt. Full metal zipper up the ba...
Category

1960s American Pierre Balmain

Antique Edwardian 1910s Vintage Ivory Net Tulle Dress W Soutache Embroidery Trim
Located in Portland, OR
This is an incredible vintage dress from the 1910's!! The soutache detail is so well done and we especially love the pretty three layers of soft netting . The base layer is solid wit...
Category

Early 20th Century American Pierre Balmain

Givenchy Couture Strapless Lace Gown
By Givenchy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Feel your absolute best in this stunning Givenchy Couture gown. The sweetheart bodice is extremely flattering and romantic. The way it hugs the body is like no other. This dress is s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pierre Balmain

1970s Lilli Diamond Taupe + Mint Green Marabou Feather 70s Maxi Dress + Jacket
By Lilli Diamond
Located in San Diego, CA
Fantastic vintage LILLI DIAMOND taupe and mint green jersey maxi dress and matching cardigan / jacket ! Features a soft jersey fabric that offers plenty of stretch. Sleeveless maxi d...
Category

1970s American Pierre Balmain

Valentino Silk Lace Skirt and Top
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful 2 piece peach beige silk flower lace skirt and camisole set from Valentino. The scoop neck lace camisole style top and subtle A line skirt hav...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Pierre Balmain

Missoni sleeveless pink beige blue white grey knit knitted flare maxi gown dress
By Missoni
Located in Paris, FR
Look 8 from Missoni Fall 2011 Missoni sleeveless floor length dress with a fitted upper and flared skirt Missoni knit in varying shades of dusky pink, beige, blue, white and grey Raw...
Category

2010s Italian Pierre Balmain

Moroccan Caftan, Silk Brocade Vintage Kaftan
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Elegant Moroccan caftan silk gold damask gorgeous vintage hostess gown. Light green floral leaf design on silk Kaftan circa 1970s. Exotic oriental long maxi caftan dress with long sleeves in shimmering brocade beige and gold fabric. One of a kind evening Moroccan Middle Eastern gown. This long maxi dress kaftan is embellished entirely by hand. The front is embellished at the front with woven gold buttons and loops that run down the center to the hemline. The cuffs and border seams are accented with handmade applique gold trim. This exotic Arabic maxi dress caftan gown makes a very extravagant garment for formal attire to transitions effortlessly to casual wear. Handcrafted in Morocco and tailored for a relaxed fit with wide sleeves, It is made in the traditional form of a Moroccan caftan using metallic brocade fabric and trimmed in handcrafted “passementerie”. The body of the garment is loose fitting and flares to the bottom. The sleeves are somewhat bell shaped with an open cuff that closes up with metallic gold buttons. The fabric is a rich looking metallic thread blend brocade. This long maxi dress kaftan is embroidered and embellished entirely by hand with detailing around a traditional neckline, with embellished sleeves In Morocco, fashion preserves its traditional style inherited from great civilizations that found their way to Northwest Africa, such as the Ottomans and the Moors. Moroccan fashion has been recognized for its style and has garnered a reputation, winning awards in international fashion shows throughout Europe. Marrakech Bohemian style. Sizing: No size is indicated, but, being a loose fitting garment, this should fit a range of medium to large sizes - please rely on the following measurements for fit: Measurements: Bust 36”. Waist 36”. Hips 44”. Across shoulders 13”. Sleeve length 25.5”. Centre back length 60”. Handcrafted by Moroccan Artist designer, this is a one of a kind caftan, inspired by the tales of princess of the Arabian Nights. The Kaftan is a long and wide tunic, collarless, long-sleeved, worn by man and women in Africa and the Middle East. The Moroccan kaftans inspired European and global designers as Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Oscar de La Renta, Emilio Pucci, and many more who made the Moorish caftans famous in the 1960s and 1970s. Loose fit this caftan blends ease and timeless style with its relaxed fit and intricate embroidery, for a casual evening out or dress it up with jeweled sandals...
Category

20th Century Moroccan Pierre Balmain

Gorgeous 1960s Demi Couture Pale Pink Silk Shantung Dress and Jacket Ensemble
Located in San Diego, CA
Channel you inner Jackie O in this wonderfully chic demi couture light candy pink raw silk shantung sleeveless dress and pillbox jacket set! Nearly completely sewn by hand, with so m...
Category

1960s Pierre Balmain

1980's Laura Biagiotti Cream Knit Dress
By Laura Biagiotti
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Great transitional dress in cream knit by Italian designer Laura Biagiotti. Best known for her sumptuous knits this dress fits like a glove and can be worn dressed up or down. In exc...
Category

1980s Italian Pierre Balmain

Alexander McQueen striped cotton and lace dress with pleated skirt, ss 2005
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
▪ Alexander McQueen dress ▪ Constructed from a fine cotton-silk fabric in two colour-ways of red, cream and blue stripes ▪ Ivory lace inserts and trim ▪ Low-waisted skirt made up of...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Pierre Balmain

Previously Available Items
Vintage Pierre Balmain Paris Brown Silk Scarf
By Pierre Balmain, Balmain Paris
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Pierre Balmain brown silk scarf. Carre silk foulard accessories by Pierre Balmain Couture Paris. Designed by French designer Pierre Balm...
Category

1980s French Pierre Balmain

Pierre Balmain Couture Embroidered Cocktail Dress Numbered 127770 - Spring 1963
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Spring 1963 France Majestic cocktail dress in embroidered tulle by Pierre Balmain Haute Couture numbered 127770 dated from the Spring Summer 1963 Collection with prestigious proven...
Category

1960s French Pierre Balmain

A Pierre Balmain Couture Ballgown numbered 87681 in Cream Silk Circa 1955/1957
By Pierre Balmain, Pierre Balmain Couture
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1955/1957 France Majestic cocktail or ball gown in silk ottoman embroidered Champagne by Pierre Balmain Haute Couture numbered 87681, model Versaille. Sheath dress with large...
Category

1950s French Pierre Balmain

Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Cream Silk Pleated Tie Blouse 1950s
By Pierre Balmain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pierre Balmain Haute Couture cream silk pleated bodice, tie blouse from the late 1950s. This lovely blouse is beautifully designed and crafted. Cream silk is delicately pleated at th...
Category

1950s French Pierre Balmain

Pierre Balmain Pink Beige Silk Floral Scarf
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Brindisi, Bt
Pierre Balmain vintage 80s scarf. Large beige and pink flowery stole, 100% silk. Made in Italy. Very good vintage conditions, some slight and irrelevant imperfections. Measures: 84 ...
Category

1980s Italian Pierre Balmain

PIERRE BALMAIN Size 27 Cream Quilted Cotton Dawstring Casual Pants
By Pierre Balmain
Located in San Francisco, CA
PIERRE BALMAIN causal pants comes in a cream cotton featuring a elastic waistband, side quilted panels, knee stitching, slit pockets, leg zippers, and a drawstring closure. Discolora...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pierre Balmain

1960s Pierre Balmain Boutique trimmed with shearling vintage wool coat
By Pierre Balmain, Pierre Balmain Boutique Paris
Located in Antwerp, BE
Pierre Balmain boutique early 60s coat, made in wool, trimmed with shearling. Fully lined in beautiful vintage condition. Please go by the measurements are taken flat. Sh to Sh 15inc...
Category

1960s French Pierre Balmain

PIERRE BALMAIN Size L Orange Argyle Cashmere Crewneck Cardigan
By Pierre Balmain
Located in San Francisco, CA
PIERRE BALMAIN cardigan comes in pastel orange cashmere with orange argyle front, crewneck, and button up front. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: L Measurements: Shoulder...
Category

Late 20th Century Pierre Balmain

Pierre Balmain Design Vintage Hat
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Alford, MA
Cloche-style hat in olivey shade of green felt ornamented with a cocoa satin band and large bow on the side. American adaptation of a Pierre Balmain design.
Category

1960s American Pierre Balmain

Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Numbered 113623, Circa 1990
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1990 Paris, France Strapless Haute Couture evening gown with long satin train. Bustier draped with a millefeuille of blue and green silk taffetas, closing with snaps fastener...
Category

1960s French Pierre Balmain

Pierre Balmain Couture Evening Dress In Lace And Gazar Circa 1970
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1970 France Pierre Balmain "Florilège" dress numbered 9173 worn by Bathsabée in brown lace. Laces from Calais (?) with flower and leaves patterns embroidered with b...
Category

1970s French Pierre Balmain

Balmain Haute Couture Evening Gown w/Metallic Embellishments Ca. 1966 No.150688
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Studio City, CA
Circa 1966 Pierre Balmain haute couture evening gown in a gold and silver lurex brocade with elaborate embellishments. In excellent condition - some beads missing here and there. No ...
Category

1960s French Pierre Balmain

Pierre Balmain fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Pierre Balmain fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of purple, red, blue and other tones. Most of the items here were designed during the 20th Century, but you can find examples that were created as recently as the 21st Century and Contemporary. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Jean-Louis Scherrer, Jean Patou, and Vicky Tiel appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Pierre Balmain fashion from top boutiques around the world. Pierre Balmain fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $45 and tops out at $15,954, while the average work can sell for $1,473.
Questions About Pierre Balmain
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, Balmain is owned by the investment firm Mayhoola for Investments, which is based in Qatar. It is currently headed by creative director Olivier Rousteing, a Black designer. Shop for expertly authenticated Balmain products from top boutiques around the world on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Pierre Balmain was a French fashion designer most known for founding his fashion house Balmain. Balmain’s designs are described as sophisticated and elegant, and remain one of the most sought after garments in high-fashion. Find vintage and contemporary Balmain designs from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024
    Pierre Balmain was the founder of Balmain, an iconic haute couture house based in Paris, France. In the postwar years, Balmain became known for bell-shaped skirts falling from slender waists, structured jackets over sheath day dresses and embellishments like fur trim. Pierre died in 1982, and the company is now owned by Mayhoola for Investments.

    From the dresses 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. Shop a collection of vintage Balmain from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 28, 2024
    Pierre Balmain jeans tend to run true to size. The brand provides a size chart/“fit predictor” on its official website. It is recommended that you make use of the size chart before you make your purchase on the site. Balmain was founded in 1945 by Pierre and is now known by the French designer’s surname. On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Pierre Balmain clothing.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, Pierre Balmain is not considered a luxury brand. Pierre Balmain is a diffusion line for Balmain, which is a luxury brand. Pierre Balmain features more simplistic designs than the Balmain as well as offers a more approachable price point. Shop a collection of Pierre Balmain and Balmain garments on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To tell if a Pierre Balmain vintage bag is authentic, first check the hardware. Balmain often stamped the brand name onto zipper pulls and fasteners. The lettering should appear crisp and evenly spaced. Balmain's tags changed greatly over time. Compare the ones in your bag to images of authenticated pieces available online. Shop a range of expertly vetted Pierre Balmain bags on 1stDibs.
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    There are a few ways to tell if your vintage Pierre Balmain is real. Authentic Pierre Balmain bags are made with brand tags, authenticity labels and serial numbers. Always purchase Balmain jackets from a reputable seller to ensure authenticity. Shop a collection of authentic Pierre Balmain from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Recently Viewed

View All