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 Vintage 1980s Five 5 Conch Shell Charms Bib Pendant Necklace
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Wokingham, England
Pierre Balmain Vintage 1980s Unisex Five 5 Swirl Conch Shell Charms Bib Pendant Chunky Statement Necklace, Gold Plated Very good condition. Come with original pouch. 100% Genuine. ...
Gold Plate
Pierre Balmain Vintage Jewelled Medallion Crest Necklace
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Nice, FR
PIERRE BALMAIN vintage gold toned necklace featuring a PIERRE BALMAIN medallion crest at center embellished with clear crystals. Secure clasp closure. Embossed PB Paris. Indicativ...
Gilt Metal
$376Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Vintage Balmain 1980s Cufflinks & Tie Bar In Original Champagne Velvet Case
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Rare Vintage Balmain 1980s Cufflinks & Tie Bar In Original Champagne Velvet & Satin Case Circa 1980 Gold Plate and Steel These Balmain vintage cufflinks from the 1980s is a must-ha...
$581Sale Price / set|25% Off
Vintage Balmain “Circa 1980s” Tiger Eye Cufflinks Original Purple Satin Case
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Rare Vintage Balmain “Circa 1980s” Tiger Eye Cufflinks Original Purple Satin Case These Balmain vintage cufflinks from the 1980s is a must-have for any fashion enthusiast. Crafted ...
$435Sale Price / set|25% Off
Rare Vintage Pierre Balmain “Circa 1980s” Cufflinks & Neck Tie Original Case
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Rare Vintage Pierre Balmain “Circa 1980s” Cufflinks & Neck Tie Original Case These Balmain vintage cufflinks from the 1980s is a must-have for any fashion enthusiast. Crafted from ...
Pierre Balmain Vintage Jewelled Crest Brooch
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Nice, FR
PIERRE BALMAIN vintage gold toned brooch featuring a PIERRE BALMAIN medallion crest at center embellished with clear crystals. Embossed PB Paris. Indicative measurements : diameter...
Gilt Metal
Alex Jona Tiger's Eye Egg Shaped Sterling Silver Cufflinks
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, crafted in Italy, hand-carved tiger's eye egg-shaped sterling silver mounted double sided cufflinks. Alex Jona cufflinks stand out, not only for their s...
Tiger's Eye, Sterling Silver
$152Sale Price|20% Off
Georg Jensen Estate Mens Tie Bar 2.5" Silver
By Georg Jensen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Georg Jensen Estate Mens Tie Bar 2.5" Silver GJ19 This elegant Authentic Georg Jensen Men's Tie Bar is made of sterling silver and has a weight of 10 gr...
Silver
Vintage Gold Plated CARTIER Santos Lighter in Box 1980s
By Cartier
Located in DELFT, NL
As a hallmark of elegance and timeless design, Cartier stands at the forefront of luxury craftsmanship, with a legacy that extends beyond jewellery to iconic lighter designs. The dis...
Gold Plate, Silver Plate
Rene Boivin 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Ruby Compact Case, circa 1940
By René Boivin
Located in New York, NY
René Boivin was born in February 1864 in Paris. An excellent designer and engraver, he began a career in the jewellery field at a young age. During the 1890s he purchased several workshops and established himself at rue St. Anastase. In 1893 he married Jean...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1920s Tiger's Eye 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cufflinks
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pair of cufflinks in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark. They are adorned with two tiger eye agates, each held by two large scalloped claws. They are attached to each other ...
Tiger's Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 2005 Silver Bead Chain Military Dog Tag Pendant Necklace
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 2005 Silver Bead Chain Military Dog Tag Pendant Necklace Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: A/W 2005 "The Man Who Knew Too Much" Designer: Alexander McQueen Style: Necklace Color(s): Silver Unmarked Fabric (feel of): Silver Additional Details / Inclusions: Alexander McQueen pendant...
Vintage DUNHILL Rollagas Lighter Diamond-Cut Gold Plated 1980s
By Alfred Dunhill
Located in DELFT, NL
Vintage Dunhill Rollagas lighter Gold Plated 1980s The iconic Dunhill name is known for quality, well-made cigarette lighters and other smoki...
Gold Plate
AVON vintage signed gold tone with rhinestones ' BUNNY' pin
By Avon
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed AVON • gold tone with rhinestones • vintage designer pin MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 59 ❤️❤️ ...
$14,493
W 3.15 in L 5.56 in
Gustave-Roger Sandoz, Rare Art Deco Silver and Enamel Cigarette Case, circa 1925
Located in Paris, FR
Express Shipping still available during Lockdown Gustave-Roger Sandoz Cigarette Case, Circa 1925 Silver with Enamel geometric decoration on both sides. The clasp set with a cabochon...
Onyx, Silver
Roberto Coin 18k Yellow Gold Woven Earring and Necklace Set
By Roberto Coin
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your collection with this exquisite vintage Roberto Coin set, crafted in rich 18k yellow gold. Featuring a finely woven design, the matching necklace and earrings showcase th...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
LANVIN Necklace with LOVE Golden Pendant
By Lanvin Paris
Located in Paris, FR
LANVIN necklace with LOVE golden pendant in gilded metal, closing ring and faceted crystal stones. Never worn. Size: total length 72 cm - can be worn s...
Gilt Metal
Gucci 18 Karat Yellow Gold Knot Double Chain
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
GUCCI 18K YELLOW GOLD KNOT DOUBLE CHAIN. Mint condition 18k Yellow Gold Chain length: 28” Width: 2.7mm Weight: 25gr
Yellow Gold
Pierre Balmain Vintage 1980s Five 5 Conch Shell Charms Bib Pendant Necklace
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Wokingham, England
Pierre Balmain Vintage 1980s Unisex Five 5 Swirl Conch Shell Charms Bib Pendant Chunky Statement Necklace, Gold Plated Very good condition. Come with original pouch. 100% Genuine. ...
Gold Plate
Rare Vintage Balmain 1980s Cufflinks & Tie Bar In Original Case Circa 1980
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Rare Vintage Balmain 1980s Cufflinks & Tie Bar In Original Champagne Velvet & Satin Case Circa 1980 Gold Plate and Steel These Balmain vintage cufflinks from the 1980s is a must-h...
Gold Plate, Steel
Pierre Balmain Vintage Deco Two Tone Cufflinks “Circa 1980s” In Original Case
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Balmain Vintage Deco Two Tone Cufflinks “Circa 1980s” In Original Case Balmain Vintage 1980s Two Tone Cufflinks These Balmain vintage cufflinks from the 1980s is a must-ha...
Pierre Balmain Vintage 1980s Five 5 Conch Shell Charms Bib Pendant Necklace
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Wokingham, England
Pierre Balmain Vintage 1980s Unisex Five 5 Swirl Conch Shell Charms Bib Pendant Chunky Statement Necklace, Gold Plated Very good condition. Come with original pouch. 100% Genuine. ...
Gold Plate
Pierre Balmain Vintage 1980s Five Conch Shell Charms Pendant Chunky Necklace
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Wokingham, England
Pierre Balmain Vintage 1980s Unisex Five Conch Shell Charms Pendant Chunky Necklace, Gold Plated Very good condition. Come with original pouch. 100% Genuine. A unique piece. Rare t...
Gold Plate
Vintage Pierre Balmain Tassel Earrings
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
These vintage Pierre Balmain tassel earrings feature a large quilted-surface gold head with a tassel of gold chains, suspended from a finial with a row of crystals, and a black ename...
Pierre Balmain Rhinestones Gilted Metal Clip-on Earrings
By Pierre Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Pierre Balmain - Gilted metal clip-on earrings paved with multicoloured rhinestones. Additional information: Dimensions: 3 W x 3 H cm (1.18" W x 1.18" H) Condition: Very good condit...
Gilt Metal
Pierre Balmain 1980s Large Gold Openwork Earrings
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Presented is a classic and yet modern design pair of earrings by famous fashion house Pierre Balmain. Each clip earring is a large 1.38 inches wide, 1.75 inches long and .5 of an inc...
Gold Plate
Pierre Balmain Vintage Jewelled Medallion Crest Necklace
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Nice, FR
PIERRE BALMAIN vintage gold toned necklace featuring a PIERRE BALMAIN medallion crest at center embellished with clear crystals. Secure clasp closure. Embossed PB Paris. Indicativ...
Pierre Balmain Vintage Egyptian Revival Scarab Choker Necklace
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Nice, FR
PIERRE BALMAIN vintage Egyptian revival scarab choker necklace. This necklace consists of three raws of gold tone chain with white glass beads. Centra...