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.
1960s Haute Couture Pierre Balmain Green Silk Chiffon Dress with Hand Bead Work
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Firenze, IT
I proudly offer for sale this absolutely stunning evening gown with classic empire shape and a fantastic blend of green silk chiffon dress by ...
Silk, Beads
$8,051Sale Price|20% Off
Pierre Balmain Vintage Bookcase in Wood and Glass
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Milano, IT
Gorgeous vintage wooden bookcase designed by Pierre Balmain in the 80s, fine French craftsmanship. The vintage bookcase is totally made of wood and has a rectangular shape. It is composed of two showcases in both extreme sides: on the right the smaller showcase has one door, while on the left it has double doors. The larger display case...
Glass, Wood
Pierre Balmain Walnut and Brass Commode, Paris, France, circa 1980
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
PIERRE BALMAIN (Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, 1914 - Paris, 1982) A walnut commode designed by Pierre Balmain, Paris, circa 1980. Of very high quality, crafted with meticulous attention...
Brass
Walnut and Brass Cabinet by Pierre Balmain, France, 1980s
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Antwerp, BE
Pierre Balmain; Fashion designer; French Design; 1980s; France; Cabinet; Sideboard; Secretaire; Mid-Century Modern; Paris; Walnut; Brass; Pierre Balmain walnut cabinet, an original design crafted by French designer Pierre Balmain himself in the 1980s. Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship that this stunning piece embodies. Meticulously constructed with a lustrous walnut veneer, this cabinet showcases the allure of natural wood grains, lending a touch of warmth and sophistication to any space. The use of premium materials ensures its durability and longevity, making it a valuable addition to your home. What sets this cabinet apart is its original mark and signature, an authentic testament to its prestigious lineage. Every detail has been carefully considered, including the brass lining that seamlessly incorporates the side panels with the top, exuding a harmonious blend of materials and textures. You'll find more remarkable designs from the Pierre Balmain collection...
Brass
Walnut and Brass Coffee Table by Pierre Balmain, France, 1980s
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Antwerp, BE
Pierre Balmain; Fashion designer; French Design; 1980s; France; Cabinet; Sideboard; Secretaire; Mid-Century Modern; Paris; Walnut; Brass; Coffee Table; Pierre Balmain walnut coffee table, a stunning centerpiece. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this coffee table features a beautiful walnut veneer, showcasing the natural warmth and elegance of the wood. Its compact and versatile design fits seamlessly into any living space, while its clean lines and minimalist silhouette exude contemporary sophistication. This coffee table bears the original mark and signature of Pierre Balmain, serving as a testament to its authenticity and prestigious lineage. The meticulous attention to detail is evident in every aspect of its design, from the precise joinery to the elegant brass accents that embellish the piece. Check out our other listings for more remarkable designs from the Pierre Balmain collection...
Brass
Vintage Balmain sculptural double Ring, Silver and black resin, stamped & signed
By Pierre Balmain
Located in London, Fitzrovia
Vintage Balmain sculptural double Ring, Silver and black resin, stamped 925 & signed Balmain, Paris. Can be worn in a couple of different ways. UK size approximately K U.S. size...
Silver
$3,364Sale Price|40% Off
Pierre Balmain, Floor Lampe, circa 1955
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, FR
Floor lamp by Pierre Balmain in the 1950's. The Veil will be replace on request. The frame is made of white lacquered metal. The base is made of travertine. The original veil is s...
Travertine, Metal
Carpet designed by Pierre Balmain France 1970s for Van Neder
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Firenze, FI
This carpet, designed by Pierre Balmain in the 1970s in France, is a rare example of the "Kyoto" pattern and was produced in Belgium by the Van Neder company. Worked in wool, it has...
Wool
Pierre Balmain Designed Modernist Wool Carpet
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
A Pierre Balmain designed modernist wool carpet. Composed of a black background with a decorative tan border surrounding the central composition of th...
Wool
$1,895Sale Price|42% Off
Carpet by Pierre Balmain for Van Neder Carpets, 1980s
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Pierre Balmain wool rug designed for Van Neder Carpets.
Wool
$5,400 / item
H 14 in W 40 in D 50 in
FRANKLIN Coffee Table XL by AMBROZIA, Solid Walnut, Blackened Steel & Brass
By AMBROZIA
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The Franklin centre table is handmade from a thick solid wood surface and featured subtitle hand polished brass details at the end. It has a hand rubbed natural oil and wax finish th...
Gold, Brass, Steel, Stainless Steel
$1,000
H 3.75 in W 18 in D 18 in
Large Vintage Aztecs vs Conquistadors Stone, Resin, and Wood Chess Set
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Large vintage Aztec vs. Conquistadors chess set. A true piece of functional art. Each piece is a resin mold with what I believe is stone pieces. Each chess piece is molded as well as...
Resin, Wood
Unavailable|$350 / item
H 11.38 in W 20 in D 14.25 in
Rise Bookstand, Minimalist Bookstand or Bookcase in Wood
By Sun at Six
Located in San Jose, CA
A versatile floating stand for books, records, and display. The bookstand can be used on the ground or lifted on a tabletop and is great for showcasing your favorite paraphernalia. T...
Oak
Italian Mahogany Secretaire Cabinet, 1950s
Located in Meda, MB
Precious cabinet secretaire produced in Italy in the 1950s, The whole cabinet is veneered in mahogany with a fine solid wood carving in the center of the two doors representing two b...
Mahogany, Maple
Modern Walnut Coffee Table
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This modern walnut coffee table is made in the heart of Ohio with locally sourced wood. Each table is a hand-made mitered box from walnut v...
Walnut
$13,900
H 34.85 in W 54.14 in D 11.82 in
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-R-13-A Glass-Fronted Bookcase / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
This item is raw and sturdy. Its rugged textures and bold lines define that radical character. Its presence is uncompromising and captivating. Signs of age, patina, and the traces o...
Glass, Teak
Art Deco Bookcase in Wood, 1920, French, Walnut Wood
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Bookcase Year: 1920 Country: French Wood It is an elegant and sophisticated bookcase. You want to live in the golden years, this is the bookcase that your project needs. We have s...
Wood
$3,256
H 46.46 in W 29.53 in D 17.72 in
Iconic vintage dutch design CU07 Cabinet by Cees Braakman for Pastoe
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Meulebeke, BE
The Netherlands / CU07 cabinet / Pastoe / Cees Braakman / metal, teak / Vintage / Mid-century Highboard CU07 designed by the Dutch designer Cees Braakman in 1958 for Pastoe. This mo...
Metal
$10,649
H 87.8 in W 76.38 in D 21.66 in
French Louis-Philippe Style Handcrafted Glass Bookcase in Solid Cherry Wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This bookcase is made with 2 parts is made of French cherrywood and also available in oak. - The Upper part has 3 glass doors and 3 removable shelves on wooden racks. - The Lower ...
Wood, Cherry, Oak
Secretary Cabinet by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
A Macassar ebony secretaire side cabinet with a rectangular stepped top above an open recess and a fall front enclosing a fitted interior, flan...
Macassar
Modernist Pander Cabinet
By H.Pander & Zonen
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern cabinet made by Pander & Zonen, renown Dutch manufacturer of high-end furniture in the first half of the 20th Century. Pander worked with important inter...
Ash
Emerald Green Moorish Pillow Embellished with Sequins and Beads
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Moorish Throw decorative accent green pillow embroidered and embellished with sequins with metallic threads, gold beads embroidery on emerald green silk damask. Handcrafted in India. Great to use as accent throw pillows in you Moorish Middle Eastern, Bohemian style, Moroccan room, Mughal Indian, Ottoman, Victorian decor...
Fabric
Mid-century Wooden Console by Pierre Balmain Paris, 1980s
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Palermo, IT
Wooden console designed by Pierre Balmain, Paris. High quality materials, perfect symbiosis of details, brass embellishments. Console with a simple and clean line has a unique style....
Brass
Vintage Pierre Balmain Paris Brown Silk Scarf
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Pierre Balmain brown silk scarf. Carre silk foulard accessories by Pierre Balmain Couture Paris. Designed by French designer Pierre Ba...
Silk
Pierre Balmain Sideboard in Brass and Wood, 1980
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant sideboard designed by Pierre Balmain original, French, dated 1980. The elegant sideboard is totally made of noble wood with brass details. The sideboard is made in different ...
Brass
Pierre Balmain Headboard in Wood and Brass, Signed, 1980s
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant double bed designed by Pierre Balmain from the France, 1980s. The bed is part of the "Ambience international collection" designed by Pierre Balmain, circa 1980. The bed is made of mahogany wood with brass details. The special feature of the bed is its branding at the tail of the bed with brass trim on the headboard. With Pierre Balmain logo...
Brass
Sold
H 55.12 in W 38.19 in D 17.72 in
Pierre Balmain Secretaire Desk with Flap with Signature, France, 1980s
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant Secretaire designed by Pierre Balmain original French. The piece of furniture is easily transformable by means of the flap door, which is pre to give space to a small desk. I...
Brass
Sold
H 18.51 in W 20.48 in D 17.72 in
Pair of Pierre Balmain Original French Bedside Tables in Wood and Brass, 1980s
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of Classic and elegant original French bedside tables by Pierre Balmain from the 1980s. The nightstands are part of the "Ambience international collection" designed by Pierre B...
Brass
Pierre Balmain Original French Bedside Tables, 1980
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Milan, IT
Astonishing Pierre Balmain original French bedside tables 1980s these pieces are a part of "collection Ambience internationale" designed by Pierre Balmain, circa 1980. This collecti...
Wood
Wool Rug by Pierre Balmain
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Antwerp, BE
Balmain, a Parisian couturier designed this exceptional wool rug. This eclectic decorative piece would look good in a Hollywood Regency inspired interior Dimensions 200 x 300 cm. Lab...
Wool
Sofa by Pierre Balmain, 1975, France
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Melbourne, VIC
This custom designed sofa is so elegant. Custom Designed by Pierre Balmain, circa 1975, France. It comprises of a generous Three-seat and four arcmhairs. Newly upholstered and refurb...
Chic 1970s Pierre Balmain Mink Cardigan Jacket
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A uber chic mink cardigan jacket from the 1970s. In excellent original condition. This mink jacket, designed by Balmain is as chic and modern as when it was designed. Knit trim on po...
Pierre Balmain, My Years and Seasons, 1964
By Pierre Balmain
Located in CA, CA
First edition, published by Cassell, 1964. This autobiography of the famed French fashion designer, Pierre Balmain, offers an insight into his life and work. A self-portrait of Ba...
Pierre Balmain Rug
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Impressive rectangular wool rug designed by couturier Pierre Balmain. Dimensions 240 x 170 cm (94.5 x 67 inch). Featuring the original label "Pierre Balmain Paris". France 19...
Wool