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 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
$8,163Sale 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
Northern Italian Walnut Commode , circa 1800
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The rectangular inlaid top above five drawers raised on square tapered legs
Walnut
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
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
$3,301
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
$6,002
H 120.87 in W 98.43 in D 16.15 in
Italian mid-century modern modular bookcase in wood and metal, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern modular bookcase in wood and metal, 1960s Modular ceiling-floor bookcase in wood. It features eleven rectangular shelves, a chest of four drawers, a compar...
Metal
$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
$10,792
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
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
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
French 19th Century Walnut and Marble Commode
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A magnificent, solid walnut commode from 19th century France, aligning with Louis XVI and transitional tastes, it is a multipurpose storage piece scaled to use practically anywhere a...
Marble
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
French Provincial Walnut Commode
By Bloomingdale's
Located in Astoria, NY
French Provincial Walnut Commode, with three drawers and brass pulls, "Made in France / Expressly for Bloomingdale's" plaque label in top draw...
Brass
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
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
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