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...
ALESSI Giulio Iacchetti 'Bis' Snake Letter Opener, 2013
By Alessi
Located in Atlanta, GA
Meet the elusive paper snake ... sleek, functional, fun to hold and even better to observe. This 2013 stainless steel snake shaped letter opener is by Italian industrial designer Giu...
Abercrombie and Fitch Sterling Cigarette Holder
By Abercrombie & Fitch
Located in New York, NY
Abercrombie and Fitch Sterling Cigarette Holder from the original iteration of the store before if was rebranded into a global lifestyle bra...
$788Sale 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. ...
Hermès Silver Money Clip Gaetan de Percin Spur Shaped Horse Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Money Clip In shape of a spur Equestrian theme, horse ridding, Texas Vintage Item Made by Gaetan de Percin for Hermès ("GP" hallmark) Made of silver 800 (c...
Hermès Silver Paper Clip Money Clip Bookmark Dog Head
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremaly Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Clip Rounded end decorated with a dog's head in profile Can be used as money clip or paper clip, bookmark Vintage Item Made of silver ...
Hermès Couverture Agenda Bloc Note Semainier Golden Leather Agenda Cover Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Weekly Planner cover in grained leather, gold or camel color, with saddle stitching. The interior features a pair of silver-tone metal clips to hold the notebook, planner, add...
$345Sale Price|20% Off
L 9.5 in
Antique 1920s French Art Deco Natural Blond Horn 4-Piece Writing Desk Set
Located in Honolulu, HI
This exceptional 4-piece desk set, dating to the 1920s–1930s, is a quintessential relic of French intellectual luxury. Hand-carved from rare, natural blond horn, each piece exhibits ...
$850
H 1 in W 7 in D 2.5 in
Must de Cartier “Trinity Vendôme” Ballpoint Pen, Gold & Silver France 1980s
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Must de Cartier “Trinity Vendôme” Ballpoint Pen, Gold & Silver Plate, France, circa 1980s An iconic vintage ballpoint pen by Cartier from t...
$291Sale Price|20% Off
H 13 in W 11 in D 5 in
Art Deco camel-colored leather campaign binoculars from France
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
OutStunning French binoculars ,early 20th century. The metal parts lend a touch of understated elegance to the piece, creating a sophisticated contrast with the warmth of the leather...
Hermès Yellow Gold Money Clip Numbered Stirrup Spur Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exeptional and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Moeny Clip In shape of stirrup with a spur Equestrian theme, horse ridding, Texas Vintage Item Made of yellow gold (eaggle head hallmark ...
French Bronze Art Deco Bird Stone Base Desk Collectible c 1940s
Located in University City, MO
French bronze art deco avant-garde bird stone base desk collectible c 1940s The stylized bronze bird is mounted on a murky green stone base The bird is adorned with a pair of small...