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.
Pierre Balmain Silk Scarf Vineyard Print in Green and Brown
By Pierre Balmain Paris, Pierre Balmain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite silk scarf from Pierre Balmain Paris is artistically crafted to resemble a beautiful painting. This lovely piece features a tangle of grape leaves and bunches of grape...
A 1980s Pierre Balmain White and Brown Floral Silk Foulard
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A lovely floral silk foulard designed by Pierre Balmain in perfect conditions. The Pierre Balmain Silk Foulard is a luxurious and exquisite accessory that embodies the elegance and ...
Vintage Pierre Balmain Silk Foulard Scarf Red Blue Gold Circa 1970s
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A red, blue and gold silk square foulard by Pierre Balmain in perfect conditions
Pierre Balmain Men's Signature Combination of Silk and Merino Scarf
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Balmain wonderfully elegant men's signature combination of deep navy silk print with the other side a black wool merino fringe, measures 56 inches by 12 inches. Made in F...
Pierre Balmain Signature Multicolor Silk Chiffon & Metallic Gold Scarf
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Balmain signature multi-color silk chiffon accented with metallic gold scarf has hand-rolled edge finishing. The scarf measures 34" x 70".
Pierre Balmain Multicolor chiffon & metallic gold scarf
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Balmain signature bold multi-color silk chiffon accented with metallic gold accents has fringe and hand-roll detailing. The scarf measures 34" x 70".
$96Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Pierre Balmain 100% silk tie with small yellow stripes
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage tie designed by Pierre Belmain, it is made of silk. Decorated with small yellow stripes on a black background and a large blue / gray script. With a very elegant and formal d...
Pierre Balmain Extra Large Silk Crepe Di Chine Multiple Paisley Wrap Scarf
By Pierre Balmain Paris, Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Balmain wonderfully magnificent extra-huge silk crepe di chine multi-palsey with red-on-red border measures 52 inches by 54 inches. The scarf is detailed with hand-roll...
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
2000s Christian Dior by John Galliano Knit Brown Sable Mink Fur Scarf
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous brown knit mink Christian Dior scarf designed by John Galliano. From the early 2000s, this luxurious scarf is the perfect addition t...
Studio Variously Handwoven Soft Merino Checks Scarf Unisex 90x220 cm
By Studio Variously
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Custom design by Studio Variously, Musturd is a carefully handwoven piece made by artisans in Nepal. A sustainable design brand based out of Michigan, Studio Variously exclusively c...
auth HERMES pink white SEQUENCES 90 silk twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermès 'Sequences' limited colorway scarf in pink, red, and off.white silk twill (100%). Brand new. Width 90cm (35.1in) Height 90cm (35.1in)
Hermès Gold Tone "Bouet" Scarf Ring
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Bouet" Scarf Ring Gold is a classic accessory that can be used to update and wear your scarves in a different stylish way. Comes with the original box. Scarf in picture not i...
Hermes Silk Scarf, Pheasant, Lobster Supper
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Silk Scarf, Pheasant, Lobster Supper Multicolor on black. 35 by 35 in. Condition Report Good condition.
Chanel Tan/ Brown Rabbit Fur Stole w/ Leather Quilted Stitching at Trim
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Tan Rabbit Fur Stole w/ Leather Quilted Stitching at Trim Color: Tan and brown Materials: 100% Rabbit Fur; Lining- 50% Wool; 50% Cotton Overall Condition: Excellent with the e...
Vintage Gold Fendi Silk Scarf with Decorative Tribal Pottery Vessel Motif
By Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld for Fendi
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Vintage Fendi silk scarf with composition of decorative pottery and sculptural vessels arranged in a grid format. Rendered in warm neutral tones and v...
Hermès New Gold Scarf Ring W/Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new gold tone scarf ring. Comes with original dustcover and original box. Scarf in photos not included.
1970s Gucci Silk Scarf Navy & Gold Equestrian Chain Print
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
Gucci scarf from the 1970s showcases a dramatic navy and gold color palette with bridles, bits, ornate chains, and rosettes and medallions arranged in a perfectly symmetrical layout....
HERMES pale blue silk FRONTAUX ET COCARDES 90 TWILL Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Frontaux Et Cocardes 90' scarf by Caty Latham in ivory silk twill (100%) with pale teal border and details in gold, yellow and gray. Has been worn with stains ...
$658Sale Price|20% Off
W 5.52 in L 39.38 in
Verheyen London Unisex Raccoon Fur Detachable Collar, 100cm Natural
By Verheyen London
Located in London, GB
Verheyen London Mens Detachable Fur Collar in Raccoon PRODUCT DETAILS Verheyen London’s mens detachable fur collar is our classic staple for effortless style for casual wear. To t...
$206Sale Price|30% Off
Size: One Size
Voided Velvet Shawl Blue and Lavender Floral Design on Black Silk Chiffon
Located in New Hope, PA
This beautiful shawl has a delicate black silk chiffon base with gorgeous blue shaded to lavender flowers around the border and small blue velvet dots adding a touch of whimsy to the...
Pierre Balmain Paris Francois 1er Neckerchief Scarf Gold and Blue
By Balmain Paris, Pierre Balmain
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Pierre Balmain Paris, Francois 1er design neckerchief scarf. Beautiful Balmain Paris France gold and blue motif, very elegant. France. Polyester. Dimensions: 12 inches x 39.5 inches.
Pierre Balmain Paris France Luxury Silk Neck Tie 1980s
By Pierre Balmain Paris, Pierre Balmain
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Pierre Balmain Paris France light silk tie men dress necktie. Pierre Balmain Paris Designer Tie. Balmain exquisite rare baroque pattern in Limited Edition Pierre Balmain classic Pari...
Pierre Balmain Silk Scarf Modernist Sketches in Black and White, c1950s
By Pierre Balmain Paris, Pierre Balmain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite silk scarf from Pierre Balmain Paris is artistically crafted to resemble beautiful sketches. This lovely piece features modernist scenes with characters in a watercolo...
Pierre Balmain Black and White Silk Scarf
By Pierre Balmain
Located in London, GB
A super chic silk scarf by Pierre Balmain , in a striking black and white print. The scarf is made in Italy and measures: Length 50'' x height 11''
Vintage Pierre Balmain Paris Brown Silk Scarf
By Balmain Paris, Pierre Balmain
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Pierre Balmain brown silk scarf. Carre silk foulard accessories by Pierre Balmain Couture Paris. Designed by French designer Pierre Balm...
Pierre Balmain Paris Silk Jacquard Scarf Bold Green & Navy Blue Design 1970s
By Pierre Balmain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pierre Balmain, Paris silk jacquard scarf with a bold green and navy blue design of circles and diamonds from the 1970s. Large and beautiful scarf in excellent condition. Hand rolled...
Pierre Balmain Silk Scarf Oversized Black and Red Rose Print
By Pierre Balmain Paris, Pierre Balmain
Located in Atlanta, GA
Stylish silk scarf by Pierre Balmain Paris. With a 1970s typical print, this vintage silk scarf features an oversized rose flower in an assorted combination of red and black on an iv...
1950s Pierre Balmain Floral and Brushstroke Silk Twill Scarf 30x29.5
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Port Hope, ON
In excellent condition for a scarf this age, this scarf has a nice brown background with orange, yellow, black and salmon pink splashes. When you tire of wearing it, frame it!
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.
Pierre Balmain Wool & Cashmere "Shades of Grays" Fringed Scarf
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Balmain wonderful combination of merino wool and cashmere in "shades of grays" fringed scarf measures 28" x 69" and accented with 3" fringes. Made in France.
Pierre Balmain Floral Silk Men's Tie
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Balmain floral print silk men's tie has colors of violet, brown and beige. Tie measures 3 3/4" at the widest and 1 1/4" at the narrowest. The length me...
Pierre Balmain Violet Floral Silk Men's Tie
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Balmain silk floral print tie has colors of violet, purple, greens and browns. Tie measures 3 3/4" at the widest and 1 1/4" at the narrowest. The length measures 57".