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
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
$8,131Sale 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
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
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
$3,397Sale 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
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
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
$1,914Sale 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
$3,635Sale Price|20% Off
H 13.78 in W 43.31 in D 43.31 in
Marquetry Walnut Coffee Table by Jaume Tresserra
By Jaime Tresserra
Located in Madrid, ES
Gorgeous walnut wood coffee table designed by Spanish furniture designer Jaume Tresserra in 1987, also produced around that time. Made of light walnut wood with darker marquetry.
Walnut
$1,435
H 42.92 in W 39.38 in D 11.82 in
Mid Century Modern Rosewood Glass Cabinet, 1960s Scandinavian Bookcase on Legs
Located in BERKEL EN RODENRIJS, NL
Beautiful mid century modern cabinet from the 1960s, made in richly grained rosewood. The cabinet stands on elegant tapered legs and has two glass doors, giving it a light and refine...
Rosewood, Glass
$5,383
H 79.53 in W 100.79 in D 16.93 in
Vintage Italian Wood & Brass Mid-Century Modern Free-Standing Bookcase
By Dassi Lissone
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This bookcase was produced in Italy around the 1960s. It consists of 2 main wooden units with shelves and containers, joined together by a central chest of drawers and shelves. Remai...
Brass
$3,756Sale Price|20% Off
H 79 in W 35 in D 18 in
Restored Vintage 1960’s Mid-Century Modern Bookcase Wall Cabinet
Located in North York, ON
Restored vintage 1960’s Mid-Century Modern bookcase wall cabinet. Featuring brass detailed accents and walnut woods. Finished in a dark espresso brown, this piece is the perfect stat...
Metal, Brass
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
Famed Brass and Marble Coffee Table
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Famed coffee table, glorified by elegant brass legs, prove that every place can wink at its style with its natural marble and wood options. The designs that instantly add modernity t...
Marble, Brass
$1,104Sale Price|20% Off
H 64 in W 36 in D 12.5 in
Vintage Mid Century Modern Danish Bookcase. Circa 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Features a modern Scandinavian minimalist design with a beautiful teak wood grain. Offers plenty of storage space with three adjustable floating shelves edged with solid teak profile...
Teak
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
$651Sale Price|20% Off
H 40.16 in W 60.24 in D 10.63 in
Mid-Century Modern Sliding Glass Door Bookcase Cabinet Robert Heritage
By Robert Heritage
Located in Leicester, GB
We can ship directly to you - please contact us with your country & postcode for an accurate delivery price. Shipping to the US £450 in a custom made crate A beautiful long slim gla...
Hardwood
$14,400
H 52 in Dm 15 in
Gordon & Jane Martz Glazed Brown Gray Ceramic & Walnut Floor Lamp, circa 1955
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A most magnificent Mid-Century Modern sculptural and layered Martz ceramic floor lamp with walnut shelf and base. Hand carved multidimensional glazed rings of hand painted brown and white hues give the floor lamp a sense of movement - like moving rings...
Brass
$3,048Sale Price|30% Off
H 35.44 in W 42.13 in D 21.66 in
Louis XVI Commode, Walnut & Marble, France, Circa 1810
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An exquisite, early 19th century Louis XVI style two-drawer 'Commode Sauteuse', with a white marble top and gilt bronze fittings. This curiously named style of commode always feature...
Marble, Bronze
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