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, Pierre Balmain Paris
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...
$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...
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 ...
1970s Vintage Pierre Balmain Silk French Foulard
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 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...
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".
HERMES silk PANI LA SHAR PAWNEE Twilly Scarf Scarf Rose Canard Blanc
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Pani La Shar Pawnee Twilly scarf in rose, canard, white and petrol silk (100%). Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Comes with box. Measurements Widt...
Gucci Gg Jumbo Wool Silk Jacquard Scarf in Grey and Black Cashmere Scarf
By Gucci
Located in Houston, US
Brand: Gucci Width: 18.50 inches Height: 72.00 inches Weight: 430.00 grams Gucci Gg Jumbo Wool Silk Jacquard Scarf In Grey And Black Cashmere Scarf. The "Gucci" trademark (or ha...
S/S 2001 Gucci by Tom Ford Lava Print Pink Silk Square Scarf
By Tom Ford, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a rare pink lava print Gucci scarf designed by Tom Ford. The lava design debuted on the men's Spring/Summer 2001 runway and was used heavily in womenswear. This print was quite popular, and Kim Cattrall...
Gucci Square Silk Gold and Brown Chain Print Scarf
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
Gucci square silk scarf, featuring a simple chain print with a gold border. The scarf has rolled hems. Measuring approximately 66cm / 26 inches square. The scarf is in new condition, with its original box. This is a Gucci beauty...
Isabel Canovas black silk cape
By Isabel Canovas
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
ISABEL CANOVAS - Knitted black silk taffeta cape. Piece from the 1990s. Single size. Condition: Good condition Dimensions: about 190 cm x 100 cm SKU:ACC225
1990S Tie
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
1990S Tie
Chanel cashmere stole
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in Italy) Beige cashmere large stole. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: about 80 cm x 205 cm SKU:FFC18
Chanel New Camellia Degrade Shawl
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel new cashmere shawl in degrade fuchsia -red . Camellia drawings. Care tag attached.
Hermes Beaded Guepards Maxi -Twilly Slim Black and White
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Hermes embellished Guepards Maxi-Twilly Slim featured in Black and White. Beautiful bronze metallic beading at tips. Beading throu...
Hermes Lazy Leopardesses Potiron / Brun / Miel Scarf 90
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Lazy Leopardesses silk scarf featured in Potiron, Brun and Miel. This exquisite Hermes scarf depicts the graceful majesty...
Hermès Mythologie Des Hommes Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk Les Mythologies des Hommes Rouges scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Hand rolled edges. Excellent condition.
Christian Dior Silk Logo Scarf
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Christian Dior Silk Logo Neck Scarf from the 1970's in maroon and navy silk twill. Square 19". 1970's France.
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, Pierre Balmain Paris
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, Pierre Balmain Paris
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...
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 ...
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 Green Wool Wraparound Soft Cape Scarf Fringes 80s Made in France
By Pierre Balmain Boutique Paris, Pierre Balmain
Located in Brindisi, Bt
Pierre Balmain Boutique vintage cape. Emerald green color, large wraparound scarf with soft wool fringes, 80s. Made in France. Excellent vintage condition. Length: 190 cm Width: 8...
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.