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 Vintage black leather wide logo elastic belt A-line skirt FR38 M
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
PIERRE BALMAIN Vintage black leather wide logo elastic belted A-line skirt FR38 M Reference: YIKK/A00148 Brand: Pierre Balmain Material: Leather, Fabric Color: Black, Silver Pattern:...
CHANEL black TWEED & MULTICOLOR FLORAL CHIFFON Mini Skirt 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel short skirt in black nylon (75%) and wool (25%). Opens with a zipper on the side. Lined in multicolour floral printed silk (100%). Has been worn and is in excel...
Vintage Scotch House Silk Tartan Skirt
Located in London, GB
A wonderful vintage silk skirt by The Scotch House. The skirt has a red background with multicolour check detail. - red, blue and yellow. The skirt is lined with a full net petticoa...
Chanel circa 1992 Jupe longue FR38 Maxi Black Wool Gipsy Skirt UK10 US6
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel maxi skirt circa 1992 in black wool twill, high-waisted, fitted to the knees and flared—almost ruffled—at the hem, lined in black silk crepe, fastens with a button and zip. Th...
1990s KENZO Velvet Skirt with wild Horses print
By Kenzo
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Kenzo jeans wild horses vintage print velvet skirt with a zipper. Appears to be French 38/small, please refer to the measurements in the description...
Alexander McQueen skirt 'Perfecto' summer 2023
By Alexander McQueen
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
ALEXANDER MC QUEEN - (Made in Italy) Black lamb leather asymmetrical skirt with a perfecto jacket style, silvery metal zipper and buttons. Size 38IT indicated, it fits a 34FR. 2023 S...
Vintage Azzedine Alaïa Balck Floral Chenille Maxi Skirt Documented Fall 2000
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Azzedine Alaïa was notably one of the most talented designers of his day. Having cut his teeth working for Thierry Mugler and Dior, Alaïa himself designed garments with immaculate fit and a sexy yet romantic flair. From his Spring 2000 collection, the gored maxi skirt is made from a viscose blend black chenille fabric. Following the vertical seams, the skirt has been embroidered with green vines that whimsically move towards the hem blossoming into flowers of daisy white and poppy red. Sitting low on the waist, this skirt has an overall straight silhouette finishing however with a full sweeping hem. Here, each panel has a slight scallop that gives the skirt additional interest in motion. The folksy skirt is effortlessly beautiful and is perfect for a casual affair or an adventure on the town! Included here is an editorial shot of the pink version of the skirt photographed by Gilles Bensimon...
Issey Miyake Pleats Please Black Polka Dot Skirt, F/W 1999
By Issey Miyake
Located in Paris, FR
From Issey Miyake’s Fall/Winter 1999 Pleats Please line, this black pleated skirt embodies the designer’s philosophy of dynamic form and movement. Made in Japan using Miyake’s signat...
Gianni Versace S&M Collection Maxi Skirt, FW 1992
By Gianni Versace
Located in Marlborough, GB
Gianni Versace black wool maxi skirt, Fall Winter 1992 Very similar pieces appeared throughout the runway for this collection, which was provocatively titled “Miss S&M” High-waisted ...
S/S 1998 Dolce & Gabbana Long Black Pinstripe Pencil Skirt with Mesh under layer
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Sheffield, GB
Spring / Summer 1998 Dolce & Gabbana Long Black Pinstripe Pencil Skirt with Mesh under layer detail. Features high waisted silhouette, black & brown pin striped material with...
Size: IT 38
Armani Collezioni Steel Grey Skirt
By Armani Collezioni
Located in London, GB
A chic skirt for late Summer or Fall by Armani Collezioni. The skirt is in an attractive steel grey colour with pleat and stitch detail. It has a back zip opening and is unlined. Si...
Chanel 1985s Jupe Drapé Noir FR38 Haute Couture Black Wool Crepe Fold UK10 US8
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel Haute Couture skirt circa 1985 in black wool crepe, high-waisted with a zip and hook closure, pencil shape embellished with a pleated drape held by four buttons at the front, ...
Size: 6
Rick Owens Olive Skirt
By Rick Owens
Located in Ardmore, PA
Rick Owens Olive Skirt Asymmetrical Avant-Garde Style with Train Size US 6 Excellent Condition
Pierre Balmain Black High Waisted Leather Skirt (26 W)
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Port Hope, ON
Gorgeous high waisted stretchy leather pencil skirt with horizontal panels, and a back zip from waist to hem.
Pierre Balmain Black Leather High-Waisted Stretch Pencil Skirt w/ Panels - 40
By Pierre Balmain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pierre Balmain Black Leather High-Waisted Stretch Pencil Skirt w/ Panels - It:40. This sexy skirt is in excellent condition. It features a high waist, pa...