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 White Bodycon Dress
By Balmain, Pierre Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous white body conscious bandage dress from Pierre Balmain. It has long sleeves, a square cut neckline, and fabulous ribbed panels accentuating the waist and bust. It is unl...
Pierre Balmain Silk Safety Pin Dress
By Pierre Balmain, Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful pale yellow silk dress from Pierre Balmain. It is semi fitted skimming the body with a crew neckline and long sleeves adorned along the outside with dozens of silver safety...
Pierre Balmain Bodycon Dress with Sheer Shoulders and Waist
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous black bandage dress from Pierre Balmain. It has a stand up collar, long sleeves and is fitted through to the hips. There are fabulous horizontal sheer panels around the sh...
A Pierre Balmain woollen Couture Dress Numbered 182888 - Spring Summer 1963
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Spring Summer 1963 France A Pierre Balmain dress in cream wool jersey from the 1960s. Sleeveless dress with straight cut tightened at the waist with loose effect. At the front, there...
Pierre Balmain New Lace Up Bandage Dress
By Balmain, Pierre Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black bandage dress from Pierre Balmain. It is fitted and has a plunging front neckline with adjustable lacing through to the waist. There is lacing along the tops of th...
Pierre Balmain One Sleeve Dress with Side Cut outs
By Balmain, Pierre Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black bodycon bandage dress from Pierre Balmain. It has one sleeve and a series of diamond shaped cut outs from under the bust to the hips on one side. The skirt is stra...
NWT Pierre Balmain Sz 40 / 8 Chainmail One Shoulder Grey Wool Metal Mesh Dress
By Balmain, Pierre Balmain
Located in San Diego, CA
Brand new with tags early 2000s PIERRE BALMAIN gray wool and cashmere one shoulder chain mail cocktail dress! Features one shoulder of metal mesh chainmail, produced by Whiting & Dav...
1960s Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Marigold Yellow Silk Satin Tiered Petal Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the 1960s, this tiered Balmain Haute Couture asymmetrical gown is constructed entirely of luxurious marigold yellow silk satin. This classic dress, entirely handmade by world-cl...
Pierre Balmain New Geometric Print Lace up Dress
By Balmain, Pierre Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous geometric ikat print stretch dress from Pierre Balmain in red, blue, yellow, black and white. It has long sleeves and a V neckline with functional black lacing to...
A Pierre Balmain Couture Turquoise Silk Chiffon Cocktail Gown- France Circa 1958
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1958 France Sumptuous cocktail or ball gown with Princess line by Pierre Balmain Haute Couture numbered 83214. Sleeveless dress with a cowl neckline draped with polka-dot musli...
Pierre Balmain Ruched Dress
By Balmain Paris, Pierre Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous orange fine stretch silk dress from Pierre Balmain. It has a plunging V neckline with a vertically ruched bodice, horizontally ruched waist and skirt which is framed on ...
A Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Cocktail Dress Numbered 112776 Circa 1965
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1965/1970. France Elegant Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Cocktail Dress numbered 112776 Circa 1965/1970. Dress in printed silk, sleeveless, skin-tight and hugging the hips, waist...
1990s PIERRE BALMAIN Black and White Snakeskin Cold Shoulder Sexy Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy 90s vintage PIERRE BALMAIN black, white and gray snakeskin print cold shoulder mini dress! Bodycon fit with so much attention to detail. Flattering ruching down the side. Simply...
Sleeveless cocktail dress in silver lurex knit Pierre Balmain Les Tricots
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Sleeveless cocktail dress in silver lurex knit . No fabric composition tag but lining probably acetate or rayon. SIZE L
A Pierre Balmain Lurex Knitting Three-pieces Set - France Circa 1980
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1980 France Pierre Balmain three-piece knitwear set in silver and purple lurex. Long-sleeved, tight-fitting top with cuffs. Small turtleneck closing with invisible staples. Long flared skirt with elastic waist, petrol blue stripes, powder pink and purple. Belt and buckle in the same fabric. Tag Les Tricots Pierre Balmain Paris Made in France black graphics on white background. Good condition and color. Dimensions: Skirt: Size 67...
60's PIERRE BALMAIN couture black wool dress with beaded collar
By Pierre Balmain
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Jet black wool couture dress with beaded collar from Balmain dating to the 1960's. Fits a size 6-10. Dress measures approximately 37" at bust, 33" at waist, 40" at hips and 41" in le...
1950S PIERRE BALMAIN Ivory Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Ruched Strapless Cocktail
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
1950S PIERRE BALMAIN Ivory Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Ruched Strapless Cocktail Dress
Pierre Balmain 'Couture' Black Linen Dress with Bow Accent
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a gorgeous COUTURE Pierre Balmain dress. The dress is composed of a wonderful black heavy weight linen. This three quarter dress features a front draped bow design and side b...
Pierre Balmain (Attributed to) Haute Couture A-Line Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Geneva, CH
Late sixties wool and silk snakeskin like dress, attributed to Pierre Balmain haute couture. Lovely A-line cut, "tie collar" and zipped back. Fully lined in refined black silk, the d...
Pierre Balmain 1980s Pink Abstract Flower Geometric Silk Linen Vintage 80s Dress
By Balmain Paris, Pierre Balmain
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1980s PIERRE BALMAIN pink, black and white abstract geometric flower print sleeveless belted dress ! Features a soft silk and linen blend. Pockets at each side of the waist. But...
Size: fits a US 2-6
1971 OSSIE CLARK black moss crepe dress with embroidered moons & stars
By Ossie Clark, Ossie Clark for Radley
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This rare 1971 Ossie Clark black moss crepe wrap dress is a quintessential piece from one of Britain’s most influential designers of the era. Made from Clark’s signature moss crepe, ...
Luca Luca Size 44 US 12 / 14 Embroidered Cotton + Linen Pastel Halter Dress
By LUCA LUCA
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic LUCA LUCA halter dress! Soft cotton and linen blend. Embroidered flowers and leaves printed throughout. Beautiful pastel colors in yellow, green, orange and brown throughout. Fu...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN green silk PLATOS ATLANTIS PRAYING MANTIS GOWN Dress L
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Zürich, CH
Alexander McQueen 'Praying Mantis' empire down in green silk (100%) with a round neck and is sleeveless. This collector piece is from the SS 2010 Platos Atlantis collection. Flares f...
1970s Vintage Metallic Paper Thin Indian Print Silk Dress with Batwing Sleeves
By Icinoo, The Silk Farm
Located in Sparks, NV
Gorgeous paper thin metallic printed silk dress with batwing sleeves by The Silk Farm. Unlined with rear button closure. 100% silk. The marked size is 6 and the dress fits like a siz...
Size: FR 2 (Vintage)
A/W 1973 LEONARD Fashion Paris 'Gringo' Signature Print Pink Brown Jersey Dress
By Leonard Fashion, Daniel Tribouillard
Located in Munich, DE
This is a stunning documented Leonard Fashion Paris jersey dress from the house’s Autumn/Winter 1973 'VIZIR' collection. The print is titled 'Gri...
1970 OSSIE CLARK black moss crepe halter dress
By Ossie Clark, Ossie Clark for Radley
Located in San Fransisco, CA
A rare Ossie Clark halter dress in black moss crepe, dating from the 1970s. The dress has a plunging neckline with wide straps that tie at the shoulders, and a fitted high waist th...
Size: Medium / Large
1960s Mr Blackwell Khaki + Orange Linen Embroidered Vintage 60s Shift Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1960s MR. BLACKWELL khaki and orange Irish linen and chiffon shift / sheath dress! Features a tailored bodice with embroidered orange, brown and white flowers throughout. Orange...
1980s-90s Arnold Scaasi Vintage Bright Pink Red Black Floral Print Silk Dress
By Arnold Scassi, Arnold Scaasi
Located in Sparks, NV
Darling vintage Arnold Scaasi silk dress in a vibrant floral print. Fully lined with rear zip and hook closure and a structured front box pleat. 100% silk with 100% acetate lining. T...
Vintage Hermes Gold Zodiac Print Scarf Maxi Dress
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to present a vintage Hermes black, gold, and white silk scarf dress featuring a deep V neckline, wide straps, handkerchief point hem, and iconic Hermes zodiac...
Versace F/W 2004 Runway velvet bodycon Silver dress (New with tags)
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Rome, IT
Versace grey velvet bodycon dress with form-fitting ruches from Donatella Versace’s Fall/Winter 2004 “Punk” collection (worn by Caroline Winberg). Embellished with silver studs all o...
Yves Saint Laurent Smocked Floral-Print Silk-Chiffon Maxi Dress, SS1977
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Geneva, CH
Cut from airy sheer silk chiffon, this rare 1977 Spring-Summer Saint Laurent Rive Gauche maxi dress is shirred from under the chest to the hips for a flattering - though comfortable ...
1960s Lilli Diamond Canary Yellow and White Lace Silk Vintage 60s Dress
By Lilli Diamond
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1960s LILLI DIAMOND canary yellow and white silk lace dress! Features a fitted bodice with a ruffled skirt. White pom poms at the collar and each tier of ruffles. Hidden zipper ...
Vintage Black Strapless Mini Dress Size L
By Pierre Balmain
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to dress is evident on this used Pierre Balmain designer resale item. Details Black Synthetics Strapless mini...
Long white cotton dress with flowers crochet appliqué Pierre Balmain
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long white cotton dress with flowers crochet appliqué. Zip and snap in the back
PIERRE BALMAIN black & silver STUDDED SLEEVELESS MINI Dress XS
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Pierre Balmain studded mini dress in black viscose (92%) and spandex (8%). Unlined. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measurements Tag Size XS Size XS Shou...
Size: French equivalent size 36/38
Pierre Balmain Couture Embroidered Cocktail Dress Numbered 127770 - Spring 1963
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Spring 1963 France Majestic cocktail dress in embroidered tulle by Pierre Balmain Haute Couture numbered 127770 dated from the Spring Summer 1963 Collection with prestigious proven...
Balmain Emerald Green Lace up Plunge Dress
By Balmain, Pierre Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous emerald green jersey dress from Pierre Balmain. It has a deep V front neckline with lacing detail, dolman sleeves with wide cuffs and a matching tie belt. It drapes beau...
Size: Equivalent French Size 42
A Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Cocktail Dress Numbered 112776 Circa 1965
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1965/1970 France Elegant Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Cocktail Dress numbered 112776 Circa 1965/1970. Dress in printed silk, sleeveless, skin-tight and hugging the hips, waist...
Size: Equivalent French Size 36-38
A Pierre Balmain woollen Couture Dress Numbered 182888 - Spring Summer 1963
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Spring Summer 1963 France A Pierre Balmain dress in cream wool jersey from the 1960s. Sleeveless dress with straight cut tightened at the waist with loose effect. At the front, ther...
Size: 40
Pierre Balmain Couture Day Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Balmain Couture, chocolate brown, textured wool, long sleeve, simple lines, day dress, having a semi fitted silhouette, no collar, ballo...
Pierre Balmain New w/ Tags White + Gold Sequined Lace Up Sleeveless Mini Dress
By Balmain, Pierre Balmain
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy new with original store tags PIERRE BALMAIN white and gold sequined lace-up mini dress! Features thousands of muted gold rectangle sequin beads o each side of the front. Sturdy ...
Pierre Balmain Studded Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Geneva, CH
So easy to wear ! This great late 60’s - early 70’s Balmain Boutique dress is cut from refined black crepe and embellished with round gold metal studs around the shoulders and neckli...
1980s Pierre Balmain by Erik Mortensen Cobalt Blue Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Port Hope, ON
Made of 100% polyester, this skirt has a slightly dropped waist; cap sleeves with permanent pleats which are repeated on the bottom half of the skirt. The back has a v-shaped line wi...
1980s Pierre Balmain Grey and White Floral Print Draped Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in London, GB
An elegant gown by Pierre Balmain,in a pretty grey and white print. The dress is sleeveless and has an interesting diagonal drape on the front and back.In addition the dress has a sm...