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.
$94Sale 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...
Sterling Silver Eagle Bolo Tie Native American -Turquoise Zuni Sheyka
By Zuni
Located in Wallkill, NY
Fabulous mosaic inlaid eagle bolo by the renowned Porfilio and Ann Sheyka. Measuring 2.85" H x 1.90" W. This piece is one for which the couple is famous a...
Super Cute Hermès Silk Tie Kala's Family Monkeys Prints
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable and Funny Authentic Hermès Tie From the "KALA'S FAMILY" collection Prints: Dangling Monkeys Made in France Made of 100% Silk Colorways: CIEL / VERT / BLEU CLAIR ( Sky B...
Hermès Destier Bolo Tie Necklace Horse Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Stunning Authentic Hermès Necklace Tie From the "Destrier" Collection "Boho Tie", perfect mix between tie and necklace Theme: Equestrian, Horse, Cow bow, Western, Texas ...
Hermès Set of 2 Giraffes and Camels Prints Silk Ties Africa Wild Animals
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ties Prints: Giraffes and Camels Made in France Made of 100% silk 1. Giraffes print: - Beige background, yellow giraffes and grey palm trees. - Lined wit...
Exceptional Set of 4 Hermès Ties from The Fables of La Fontaine in Silk
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Set of 4 Authentic Hermès Ties Prints: Les Fables de La Fontaine From left to right: 1. The Hare and the Tortoise in green, grey, orange, blue. 100% Silk. Lined with plain gr...
Hermes tie Cheval en Cœur silk twill
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes tie Cheval en Cœur Hand-sewn 100% silk twill tie. The expert hands of our Lyon-based artisans have been overseeing the various stages of this tie's production since 1949. Mad...
Lovely Hermès Set of 4 Silk Ties Animals Print
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute Authentic Hermès Set of 4 Ties Prints from left to right: - 7997 EA: owls in a decor of stars and moon / Colorways: Orange, Brown, White, Yellow. Plain orange at back - 7425 ...
Hermès Cravate Twilly 1974 Lift profile Brown Silk Twill Scarf Tie Knot Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès silk twill tie titled "Profilé" by Shan Merry, originally released in 1974 and reissued in 2026 as "Lift Profile," with a light brown background and gold motifs. This vintage ...
Hermes Silk Red and Green Square Print Tie
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes silk red and green square print tie. Sophisticated and classic piece and a perfect addition to any wardrobe. Item is in good condition, wear consi...
Hermès Set of 2 Ties Castle and Fleur-de-Lis Prints in Silk
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Set of 2 Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ties Castle matches Fleur-de-lis, because the fleur-de-lys (in french) is the symbol of the coat of arms of royal France, at the time of the monarchy, kings and castles Left one: Castles print...
Pucci Orange and Brown Swirl Print Tie
By Emilio Pucci
Located in New York, NY
Emilio Pucci orange, brown and fuschia swirl print tie in silk twill. 1980's Italy. Excellent condition. 52" x 3.25" at widest.
Hermès Silk Tie Roofs of Paris Print Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Tie Pattern: The roofs of Paris under the moon You can see the Eiffel Tower, Le Moulin Rouge, Notre Dame, Le Sacré Coeur, t...
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 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".
Pierre Balmain Abstract Print Men's Silk Tie
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Balmain abstract print silk tie have colors of olive-green along with red, black and slimmering specks of white. Tie measures 3 3/4" at the widest and 1 3/8" at the narrow...