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...
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 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".
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 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...
I Magnin 1970s Turquoise Teal Blue Paisley Print Metallic Large 70s Fringe Shawl
By I Magnin and Co
Located in San Diego, CA
Brilliant large 1970s I MAGNIN turquoise / teal blue rayon fringed piano shawl ! Paisley print in vibrant colors of fuchsia pink, purple, green and yellow throughout. Metallic gold ...
Artist Richard Anuszkiewicz limited first edition Op Art Silk Scarf, 1970s
By Richard Anuszkiewicz
Located in Austin, TX
1970s artist Richard Anuszkiewicz silk printed scarf. Commissioned by the Smithsonian in 1970s for their gift shop. Limited first edition. Collectors item. Condition: Very good. We...
Vuitton New Name Tags Silk Bandeau
By Louis Vuitton
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Louis Vuitton silk bandeau "name tags" design. Brand new in original box .
Chanel New "CC Roof" Shawl Silk Chiffon White Black
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel CC Roof Scarf in White and Black is crafted of 100% silk chiffon. The scarf features a black and white design of Paris rooftops with a Chanel CC logo designs throughout t...
Hermès Silk Scarf "Les Tuileries" 1990
By Hermès, Joachim Metz
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Please note this item is in good condition with minor wear consistent with age and use. This beautiful scarf was designed by Joachim Metz in 1990, with no reedition this is a really ...
Early 1990s Atelier Versace by Gianni Floral Medallion Silk Square Scarf
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful baroque Atelier Versace square silk scarf designed by Gianni Versace. This scarf features pastel-colored Greek/Roman coins, ancient carved scenes, and multicol...
Hermès "Minuit au Faubourg" Silk Scarf New in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Minuit au Faubourg" Silk Scarf in red. The pattern shows the city of Paris in a comic drawing. New with the original box.
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...
$176Sale Price|25% Off
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....
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 Lazy Leopardesses Potiron Brun and Miel Scarf 90
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Lazy Leopardesses silk scarf featured in Potiron, Brun and Miel. This exquisite Hermes scarf depicts the g...
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...
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 ...
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 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...
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 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.