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.
$2,153Sale Price|20% Off
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
Pierre Balmain Walnut Commode with Brass Accents, Paris, 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
Rug designed by Pierre Balmain for Van Neder Carpets, 1980s
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Brussels, BE
Rug designed by Pierre Balmain for Van Neder Carpets, 1980s
Fabric
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
$1,872Sale 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
$7,957Sale Price|20% Off
Pierre Balmain Vintage Bookcase, Wood & Glass, Mid-Century Modern
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
$3,323Sale 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
$4,212Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
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
Parchment Chest of Drawers with Brass Accents by Kifu Paris
By Kifu Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Dandy oval chest...
Brass
$280Sale Price|20% Off
H 14 in W 25 in D 7 in
Handcrafted Silk Lumbar Pillow, Ivory with Beads, Moorish Style, India
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Decorative Ivory color accent lumbar pillow hand embroidered and embellished with sequins and beads. Vanilla Dupioni silk with gold, red and green beads flower designs. Down insert...
Silk
$3,218
H 46.46 in W 29.53 in D 17.72 in
Iconic vintage dutch design CU07 Cabinet by Cees Braakman for Pastoe
By Pastoe, Cees Braakman
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
Ottoman Green Carnation Silk Hand Embroidered Cushion
By Ottoman Touch
Located in London, GB
Immerse yourself in a cushion of history and art with the Ottoman Empire's timeless carnation motifs brought to life through the intricate Suzani embroidery technique. These motifs, ...
Cotton, Silk
$5,851
H 54.73 in W 24.02 in D 15.75 in
Pink Pale Murano Glass Commodes and Chests of Drawers with Brass Accents
Located in Florence, IT
Tall Pink Pale Opaline Glass Chest of Drawers with Murano Glass Flower Handles designed by Pandora Decor. This elegant tall chest features 7 drawers (called "Settimino" in italian) f...
Brass
$5,600
H 35 in W 50.75 in D 25.25 in
Antique French Louis XVI Commode with Walnut & Marble, Circa 1780
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A handsome walnut & marble commode from France, an 18th century original in the Louis XVI style, fitting with traditional to transitional interiors equally well. The removable stone ...
Marble, Brass
$220Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 16 in W 16 in D 5 in
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
$20,959
H 80.71 in W 48.04 in D 23.63 in
Austrian Baroque Secretary Cabinet in Walnut with Marquetry, ca. 1700–1730
Located in Kastrup, DK
A highly impressive and architecturally refined Austrian Baroque secretary cabinet from the first half of the 18th century. Crafted to an exceptional standard, veneered with thick, h...
Brass, Iron
Italian Neoclassical Walnut Commode With Walnut Veneer
Located in Viterbo, VT
Neoclassical commode hand-crafted in central Italy in the early 1800s and decorated with gorgeous walnut veneer. The chest of drawers is very unique in that it merges features of the...
Walnut
Art Deco Secretaire Cabinet by Jules Deroubaix
By Jules Deroubaix
Located in North York, ON
This Jules Deroubaix display cabinet secretaire is timeless, functional, and effortlessly chic. Made of burl sandalwood, it showcases a drop door paneled wit...
Brass, Chrome
Vintage Double-Sided Pillow, Hand-Crafted Silk & Cotton, Japan, 1960
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Beautiful pillow made of silk gold and silver metallic threads, exceptional double side floral motif. New quality insert.
Metallic Thread
Shagreen Commode Bar with Bronze-Patina Brass by Kifu Paris
By Kifu Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The constellation commode...
Brass
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
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
Numbered Couture 1950s Gown By Pierre Balmain Paris
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Firenze, IT
Pierre Balmain (18th May 1914, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne – 29th June 1982, Paris) A fine Marron glacé numbered couture silk gown KARINE 405 LEONORA model, inside Pierre Balmain Paris...
Silk