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...
$676Sale 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 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, 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 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...
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 ...
Junya Watanabe Red Wool Honeycomb Origami Transformable Cocoon Jacket – XS, 2015
By Junya Watanabe
Located in Tucson, AZ
A master class in cut, patternmaking and proportion, this runway 2015 stole is part wearable art and an exercise in deliberate social distancing that collapses into nothing when unzi...
Vintage Vera Mont Satin Evening Jacket
By Vera Mont
Located in London, GB
A head turning evening jacket by Vera Mont. The jacket is in a pretty salmon pink colour with a two button diamante fastening. It has a v neckline, with a sl...
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...
1990s Krizia Vintage Size 8 / 10 Light Blue Jean Denim Glitter Moto Biker Jacket
By Krizia Jeans, Krizia
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazingly chic vintage early 90s KRIZIA blue jean 'glitter' moto jacket! Features a light blue sandblasted denim, with an allover glitter coating (hard to see in photos, but amazing ...
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...
NWT Versace White Leather Fur Collar Beaded Down Jacket w/ Swarovski Crystals 42
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Versace Women's White Leather Beaded Down Jacket with Fur Collar F/W 2016 Collection Designer size - 42 100% Lamb Skin ( Origin - Namibia), Goose Down,...
1930s Black Fur Jacket with Ornamental Buckle
Located in London, GB
*Please note, that we will not be able to export this jacket overseas - it must be sent to a UK address, collected in-person or picked up by a courier from our London showroom.* This 1930s jacket is tailored from sleek black colobus monkey...
1980s Bernard Perris Vintage Wool/ Cashmere Jacket + Skirt Suit Ensemble
By Bernard Perris
Located in Sparks, NV
Gorgeous vintage Bernard Perris skirt suit in a coral red and pale celery green plaid. Fabric feels like a cashmere/ wool blend. Fully lined with front zip closure on jacket and rear...
Christian Dior Cruise 2025 Scotland White Lace Thistle Collar Velvet Jacket
By Christian Dior
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Dior Cruise 2025 black velvet jacket with detachable thistle lace collar — a standout piece from Maria Grazia Chiuri’s collection dedicated to Scotland. Echoing the show’s romantic,...
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...
$3,002Sale Price|24% Off
Christian Dior x John Galliano Resort 2008 SATC Carrie Wedding Blazer
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Melbourne, VIC
Prémode presents Christian Dior x John Galliano Resort 2008 SATC Carrie Wedding Blazer As seen on the Christian Dior Resort 2008 runway, th...
Christian Dior Houndstooth Wool Coat 1960s
By Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful off white and navy wool fine hounds tooth print wool coat by Christian Dior. It has a lapel collar, princess seaming for a great flattering fit and 2 front button flap p...
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 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...
Sold
Size: Equivalent French size 38-39
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 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...
Pierre Balmain military-inspired white jacket
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Capri, IT
Pierre Balmain puts a sophisticated spin on this military-inspired jacket with silver bead and smoky crystal button loop embroidery. This slim-fit tweed style is cut slightly looser ...
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Size: French Size 36/38
A Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Evening Jacket Numbered 122088 Collection 1963
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Spring Collection 1963 France Sumptuous kimono evening jacket by Pierre Balmain Haute Couture from the Spring collection 1963, having belonged to Madame Augier, famous owner of the...