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 Complete Agenda
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Balmain complete agenda has wonderful calfskin leather edging along with the lined leather and silk combination. Body is made with thick Tapestry made to last. Original note p...
$411
H 1.19 in W 1.19 in L 4.34 in
HERMÈS - Vintage 1990s Gold Metal Document Clip with Wood Inlays, Unisex
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Document clip made of gilded metal and inlays of various woods. A skillfully crafted item from another era and part of a set of desk pro...
Hermes Tray Jungle Love Emerald Limoges Porcelain New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Jungle Love Limoges porcelain tray featured in Emerald. Hand painted porcelain with hand painted platinum trim. This beloved print is timeless and highly ...
$1,057
H 0.4 in W 2.52 in L 4.93 in
Hermès Set of Notepad and Cover in Gold Leather Olympic Games Logo
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Notepad Set including 2 Hermès notepads and their Hermès cover Cover is made of gold epsom leather, white stitch...
Hermès Golf Ball Pen Holder Paperweight Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Golf Ball Pen Holder Can be used as pen holder thanks to its hole, paperweigt, decorative object Made of silvery me...
Hermès Set of 13 Paper Clips Horse Head Shape in Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Set of 13 Authentic Hermès Paper Clips Pattern: shape of a horse's head From "Le sens de l'objet" Year (2017) Made of Metal (non precious) Colorway: S...
$1,469
H 1.58 in W 6.34 in L 7.76 in
Hermès Porcelain Cigar Ashtay Change Tray Yacht Porthole Boat Navy Theme
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: porthole, lifebuoy and pulleys Ideal for your yacht or perfect gift for any boat, sea, navy, navigation and sailing lover Made in F...
$794Sale Price|25% Off
H 7.49 in W 5.12 in D 4.73 in Dm 5.12 in
Ralph Lauren silverplate , brtown leather Booklet “Derbyshire” 2010’s
By Ralph Lauren
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
Beautiful and very Curious pair of bookmarks in the shape of stirrups model "Derbyshire" by Ralph Lauren, silver plated with Brown leather details. ...
Hermes Manufacture des Boucleries Mini Ashtray Set of Two Porcelain New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Manufacture des Boucleries set of two ( 2 ) mini ashtrays. Rouge H and Terracotta colorway. A perfect accent piece f...
Hermès Paris Tennis Racquet Paper Clip Money Clip Tennis Ball
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Paper Clip Made in France Vintage item Made of metal (non precious), wood and plastic Colorways: silver-tone, brown "HERMÈS" engraved in fr...
Hermes Paris Tennis Racquet Paper Clip Money Clip Tennis Ball
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Paper Clip Very rare item ! Made in France Vintage item Made of Metal (non precious), wood and plastic Colorways: silver-tone, brown "HERMÈS" engra...
Hermès Gold and Silver Money Clip Paper Clip Gaetan de Percin Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Clip Can be used as money clip, paper clip, bookmark Designed by Gaetan de Percin (hallmark at back) Body made of sterling silver (Ag 925) and...
On Hold|$3,526
H 0.99 in W 4.73 in L 7.23 in
Exceptional Hermès Box Tennis Racquet Balls Print Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Box Lid engraved with Tennis racquets and balls This is a vintage item, originally created to store cigarettes, but can be used for anything else M...