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 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.
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 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...
$675Sale 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 Teal Traina, Geoffrey Beene
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...
Rick Owens Black Leather Jacket
By Rick Owens
Located in Ardmore, PA
Rick Owens Black Leather Jacket with Front-Zip Closure Two front pockets 100% Lamb Leather Size US 6 **Fits like Size US 0 Excellent Condition
BURBERRY PRORSUM black cotton GABERDINE TRENCH Coat Jacket 4 XXS
By Burberry
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Burberry Prorsum heritage trench coat is crafted from black gabardine, made of polyester (65%) and cotton (35%). It features iconic trench details such as epaulet...
Broadtail Jacket with Gray Mink Collar
Located in Alford, MA
Vintage black broadtail hip-length jacket features a gray mink collar that can either stand up or lie flat and turned-back cuffs. Fur hook closures. Embroide...
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...
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Red and Gold Metallic Silk Brocade coat with Ostrich
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Beautiful Red and gold silk brocade coat from 1990s Jean Paul Gaultier. silky and soft Ostrich feather on collar and sleeve. Coat is lined in gray silk. Coat is in excellent conditi...
ADRIENNE LANDAU Vintage Red Chinoiserie Fur Trimmed Lightweight Vest
By Adrienne Landau
Located in Leonardo, NJ
USA ONLY REAL FUR CANNOT CROSS CUSTOMS Adrienne Landau Vintage Bright vibrant red Fur (not sure what type) Silk embroidered Chinoiserie print Super lightweight Fits XS to Medium I'm...
Red jacket with black faces pattern CASTELBAJAC LEGEND
By Castelbajac
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Red jacket with black felt faces pattern on. Main fabric composition: 98% wool, 2% elastane. Lining: acetate & polyester. Pocket on both side with invisible zip closure. Zip clos...
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...
Iconic Christian Dior Haute Couture Bar Jacket! New Look 1947 impossible to buy!
By Christian Dior Haute Couture
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Iconic Dior New Look 1947 Bar Jacket! No longer available for sale, as the Maison has reached maximum allocation for the region! This makes the piece exceptionally rare and particu...
CHRISTIAN DIOR black wool & silk DOUBLE BREASTED OFF-SHOULDER Jacket 40 M
By Christian Dior
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Christian Dior jacket is tailored in black wool (77%) and silk (23%), showcasing the maison’s signature architectural precision. It features a fitted, cropped sil...
$444
Size: Best suits UK 8 - 10
2000’s Cherry Red Cacharel Rabbit Fur Zip Down Gilet - Sleeveless Jacket
By Cacharel
Located in Sheffield, GB
A 2000’s Cacharel cherry red fur gilet. Crafted in a soft and shiny Lapin, with double zip closure that offers a multitude of styling options and pockets at the hips. Recommended Si...
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 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...
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 ...
Sold
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...