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.
A black kimono jacket by Pierre Balmain Haute Couture n. 111036 Circa 1975-1980
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1975-1980 France A Black Grain de poudre kimono evening jacket by Pierre Balmain Haute Couture dating from the late 1970s. Loose fit with kimono sleeves and side slits, officer...
Pierre Balmain, black double breasted blazer
By Pierre Balmain
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Pierre Balmain, black double breasted blazer with gold buttons. The item is in very good condition.
Pierre Balmain Jacket Metallic Silver Leather Lightweight 42 / 8
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Pierre Balmain brilliant silver whisper light leather jacket with deep V and no lapels. 1 Button single breast with 2 flap pockets. 4 working buttons on each cuff...
Pierre Balmain Sequin Jacket 1970s
By Pierre Balmain
Located in London, GB
1970s Pierre Balmain fully sequinned black jacket with shiny black domed buttons. Pierre Balmain label.Original 1970s Vintage designer jackets...
$693Sale Price|35% Off
Pierre Balmain Paris red rose light wool jacket
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This Balmain jacket is made from wool has 3 closing buttons and 2 pockets. Size is mentioned French 44 but fits as US 10 or EU 40 See section measurements. Please note that vintage ...
Pierre Balmain 1990's White Cotton Embroidered Jacket - Size Medium
By Pierre Balmain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This 1990's Pierre Balmain white jacket has 4 front pockets. The pockets are embroidered in either red or black with gold. This jacket is in very ...
Geoffrey Beene For Teal Traina 1960s Silk Ivory + Silver Sequin Cropped Jacket
By Geoffrey Beene, Teal Traina
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage TEAL TRAINA by GEOFFREY BEENE early 60s silk Ivory ribbon and silver sequined cropped swing jacket! Beene was the head designer for Traina from 1958-1963, before startin...
A.L.C. Size 4 Metallic Silver Cotton Blend Snaps Collarless Jacket
By A.L.C.
Located in San Francisco, CA
A.L.C. jacket in a lightweight metallic silver tone cotton blend fabric featuring a collarless style, two patch pockets, and snap closure. Made in USA.Good Pre-Owned Condition. Multi...
Ralph Lauren Silver Leather Motorcycle Jacket
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ralph Lauren Collection Belted moto jacket Silver metallic coated goatskin leather Silver metallic coated leather belt Off-Center bronze zipper closure Two zippered pockets One sn...
Vintage 1990s Christian Lacroix blazer jacket
By Christian Lacroix
Located in LAGNY-SUR-MARNE, FR
Vintage 1990s Christian Lacroix black blazer jacket from the Bazar collection with baroque patern. In perfect condition almost brand new. Christian Lacroix's Bazar collection is one...
Chantal Thomass Red Marabou Feather Bolero Jacket
By Chantal Thomass
Located in Praha 4, Hlavní město Praha
Chantal Thomass (Suite) Red Marabou Feather Bolero Jacket assuming FW 1990 collection. Marked size 38 French. Measurements: Shoulder wi...
$237Sale Price|40% Off
Size: Medium
New With Tags Kenneth Cole Poppy Sateen Jacket Trench Coat Size: Medium
By Kenneth Cole
Located in Conroe, TX
New Kenneth Cole Beige Sateen Jacket Trench Coat Size: Medium Kenneth Cole Coat Brand New w/ Tags * Stunning in Poppy, dark Coral * Sateen Overall Look and Feel * Silver and Tortoi...
1990’s Moschino Cheap & Chic Rainbow Car Wash Fringe Jacket
By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Concord, NC
Iconic show stopping 1990s Moschino Cheap and Chic rainbow striped car wash jacket. As seen on Fran Dresher in “The Nanny”. This jacket features vivid rainbow stripes that differ in ...
Kenneth Cole New Grey Cotton Trench Coat Jacket Sz: Small
By Kenneth Cole
Located in Conroe, TX
Kenneth Cole Coat Brand New w/ Tags Size: Small * Grey Cotton * Zip Front Detail * Tortoise Buttons * Side Slit Pockets at Hip * Belted around the Waist * Beautiful Floral Lining * S...
GIORGIO SANT'ANGELO METALLIC KIMONO FAN BLOUSE 1970s
By Giorgio di Sant' Angelo
Located in New York, NY
GIORGIO SANT'ANGELO METALLIC KIMONO FAN BLOUSE 1970s Crimped black and gold kimono-cut top, non-conforming black net sash decorated with metallic gold thre...
990s Vintage Escada by Margaretha Ley tartan oversized blazer
By Escada Margaretha Ley
Located in LAGNY-SUR-MARNE, FR
1990s Vintage Escada by Margaretha Ley tartan oversized blazerJacket with original shoulder pads. This piece is in good vintage condition a few signs of age can be seen on the collar...
Angel Chen × Canada Goose White Snow Mantra Cropped Jacket
By Canada Goose
Located in Dallas, TX
The Angel Chen × Canada Goose White Snow Mantra Cropped Jacket is a standout piece from the collaboration between avant-garde Chinese designer Angel Chen and renowned outerwear brand...
Exquisite Silver Glass Beaded Sheer Vest c 1970s
Located in University City, MO
Exquisite silver glass beaded sheer vest c 1970s The elegant sheer black vest is embellished with sinuous trails of silver glass bugle beads Framed with wide rows of contiguous si...
Pierre Balmain White Denim Studded Sleeveless Vest Size S
By Pierre Balmain
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to jacket is evident on this used Pierre Balmain designer resale item. Details White Denim Vest Front silver hard...
Pierre Balmain Black Leather Double Breasted Button Blazer Size S
By Pierre Balmain
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the blazer is evident. Scratches to the leather on the left arm, right lapel, right bust, right side below the lapel centre back and at the ba...
Pierre Balmain Down Puffer Jacket
By Pierre Balmain
Located in London, GB
Pierre Balmain Down Puffer Jacket Black puffer jacket filled with down and feathers. Featuring collared neckline. asymmetric zip closure and zipped cuffs. Detailed with gunmetal h...
PIERRE BALMAIN black virgin wool blend silver zip front shoulder jacket FR38 M
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
PIERRE BALMAIN black virgin wool blend silver zip front shoulder jacket FR38 M Reference: YIKK/A00142 Brand: Pierre Balmain Material: Polyester, Virgin Wool Color: Black, Silver Patt...
Pierre Balmain black wool silk gold buttons jacket
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Capri, IT
Pierre Balmain black wool gold buttons jacket totally made in france in size FR36, IT40
Pierre Balmain Green Double Breasted Military Jacket Size L
By Pierre Balmain
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to coat is evident on this used Pierre Balmain designer resale item. Details Green Cotton Jacket Double breasted Button up fas...
Pierre Balmain Long Jacket Overstitched with Golden Lurex
By Pierre Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Pierre Balmain - (Made in France) Long jacket overstitched with golden lurex. No composition or size tag, fits a size 36FR/38FR. Additional information: Condition: Very good conditi...
PIERRE BALMAIN metallic grey lurex tweed zipper trim blazer jacket FR40 M
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
PIERRE BALMAIN metallic grey lurex tweed zipper trim blazer jacket FR40 M Reference: TGAS/C01258 Brand: Pierre Balmain Material: Polyester Color: Grey Pattern: Solid Closure: Op...
PIERRE BALMAIN black cotton DOUBLE BREASTED SHORT SLEEVE Blazer Jacket 38 S
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Pierre Balmain double breasted blazer in black cotton (72%) and viscose (28%). Features epaulettes on the shoulders, 3/4 ...
PIERRE BALMAIN black LACE UP LEATHER BOMBER Jacket 42 L
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Pierre Balmain bomber in black waxed leather with lace-up details on the front and sleeves. Raglan sleeves (sleeve measurement taken from...
PIERRE BALMAIN navy blue floral jacquard cotton slim fit blazer jacket FR38 M
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
PIERRE BALMAIN navy blue floral jacquard cotton slim fit blazer jacket FR38 M Reference: JACG/A00039 Brand: Pierre Balmain Material: Cotton Color: Black Pattern: Floral Closure...
PIERRE BALMAIN Size 40 Black Coated Cotton Polyurethane Biker Vest
By Pierre Balmain
Located in San Francisco, CA
PIERRE BALMAIN vest comes in a black coated cotton / polyurethane featuring a biker style, ribbed panels, silver tone hardware, belt detail, zipper pockets, and a zip up closure. Mad...