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 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
$8,015Sale 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 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
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
$649Sale 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
Mid-Century Modern Teak Danish Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Striking mid-century modern Danish bookcase and media cabinet crafted from richly grained teak. Tall and elegant, it features open shelving above and enclosed storage below, offering...
Teak
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
Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautifully crafted mid-century Danish modern bookcase in richly grained teak, offering the perfect balance of simplicity, function, and timeless design. With its clean lines and w...
Teak
$4,892
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
$3,241
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
Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautifully crafted mid-century Danish modern bookcase in richly grained teak, offering the perfect balance of simplicity, function, and timeless design. With its clean lines and w...
Teak
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Bookcase
Located in Tulsa, OK
**Please Read Entire Description** Please view all listing pictures on a laptop if possible. Some cell phones don’t display all listing pictures and some could be pictures relating to condition. Please read all the way down through this entire description box to view the entire description of the item. Please keep in mind that these are 40-75 year old items and will have some expected normal wear. We strive to represent our items well, and most of these items are in above average vintage condition. Noticeable flaws will be represented in the listing pictures and the text but we cannot describe or picture every small scratch, ding, or area of slight wear. Once delivered, furniture CANNOT be refused, returned, or refunded unless damage has occurred in the shipping process. Our shipper takes care to wrap each item and pack it safely therefore we have rarely had any issues with damage in transit. All items must be picked up within 3 weeks of order if buyer secures his own shipper. Shipping usually requires 3-6 weeks delivery through our shipping contacts and is only available in the continental US for large furniture items. Some smaller items are available to be shipped internationally through USPS/UPS. * * * Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Bookcase...
Teak
$2,795
H 61.75 in W 54.5 in D 12 in
Vintage Mid Century Modern Danish Bookcase with Adjustable Shelving
Located in Seattle, WA
This vintage mid century modern bookcase features a clean-lined architectural form with a warm wood grain throughout. The upper case is divided into two vertical sections, each fitte...
Wood
$5,894
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
$3,385Sale Price|20% Off
H 74.81 in W 94.49 in D 17.72 in
Mid-Century Modern Modular Bookcase, Wood & Metal, Italy, 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage Mid-Century Modern modular bookcase in wood with metal main structure. Designed and mady in Italy during the 1960s, this anonymous modular bookcase is a beautiful piece to bring immediate life and character to any interior. It consists of six elements arranged in three modules. It boxes...
Metal
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