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.
Vintage Pierre Balmain sunglasses from 80's
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant and undeniably glamorous, these Pierre Balmain sunglasses from the 1970s beautifully embody the refinement of French haute couture. Their oversized silhouette, defined by gen...
New Vintage Cartier Scala Platine Rimless Grey Lens Case France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New 1990 Cartier Scala unique rimless sunglasses with grey (uv protection) lenses. Frame with the front and sides in plating. All hallmarks. Cartier go...
Chloé round oversized sunglasses in light tortoiseshell acetate with silver deta
By Chloé
Located in PARIS, FR
Chloé round oversized sunglasses in light tortoiseshell acetate with silver details on the temples. Front width 15 cm, lens dimensions approximately 5.3 x 5.3 cm. The sunglasses have...
$175
D 4.5 in L 4.75 in
Swank France Bronze Acetate Cat Eye Glasses With Rhinestone Accents circa 1960s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These Swank France bronze acetate cat eye glasses with rhinestone accents from the 1960s exude vintage glamour and sophisticated charm. The iconic cat eye shape is complemented by th...
Luxottica goldenelectroplated vintage glasses frame
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Luxottica MODEL: Norma - Gemtortoise MADE IN: Italy CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 57 mm / 2 1/4 in Lens height: 48 mm / 1 7/8 in Bridge: 16...
Vintage Cartier Louis Laque De Chine Medium 55mm France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Original 1983 Cartier Louis Cartier Laque De Chine sunglasses with new honey brown lenses. All hallmarks. Red enamel with Cartier gold signs on ...
Roberto Cavalli sunglasses Casentino Collection
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CAVALLI - (Made in Italy) Rose-gold metal sunglasses, arms decorated with the house logo, and shaded pink glasses. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Width: 14.5 cm - Glass...
New Vintage Cartier Scala Gold Rimless Brown Lens Case France Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New 1990 Cartier Scala unique rimless sunglasses with brown (uv protection) lenses. Frame with the front and sides in gold. All hallmarks. Cartier gold ...
New Vintage Cartier Deimios Platine Solid Blue Lens France 1990 Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New 1990 Cartier DeimIos 48 MM Sunglasses with blue (uv protection) lenses. All hallmarks. Cartier gold signs on the ear paddles. These are like a pai...
New Vintage Rare A.A Sutain Oversized Light Tortoise Sunglasses 1970's
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage super rare oversized light tortoise frame with light lenses sunglasses. Amazing craftsmanship and style. This item show minor sigh of wear due to storage. Measurements : ...
New Vintage Cartier Vesta 53mm Platine Plated Frame France 1990 Sunglasses
By Cartier
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New 1990 Cartier Vesta Sunglasses with medium grey (uv protection) lenses. All hallmarks. Cartier silver signs on the ear paddles. These are like a pair of jewels on your nose. Plea...
Simonetta Ravizza jewelry vintage glasses frame
By Simonetta Ravizza
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Simonetta Ravizza MODEL: 1148 - C1 MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 56 mm / 2 3/16 in Lens height: 44 mm / 1 3/4 in ...
Ultra Rare 1960 Christian Dior Enamel Jewelled by Tura Collector Item Sunglasses
By Christian Dior
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Ultra rare pair of Christian Dior Sunglasses circa 1960's by Tura. This is a seldom and rare piece not only for its aesthetic value but for its importance in the sunglasses and fa...