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 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
Mings Bluish Purple Pearl Branch Brooch in Sterling Silver
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: Sterling Silver Brooch Measurements: 2" x 1.75" Total Weight: 8.3 Grams Pearls: Akoya Pearls Condition: Preowned, good
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Unique Pearl Starburst Pin Brooch In 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This pearl pin is made of 14K yellow gold and weighs 4.30 DWT (approx. 6.69 grams). It contains 17 round pearls.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bambi Diamond Ruby Enamel Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Diamond count: 27 Diamond total carat weight: ~0.27 Diamond color: G-H Diamond clarity: VS Gemstone: 1 red ruby Brooch Measuremen...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Tiffany & Co. 14 Karat Antique Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Pin
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
The pin is made of 14K yellow gold and weighs 5.10 DWT (approx. 7.93 grams). It also has six round sapphires weighing 1.30 CTTW, and one european G/H-color, SI-clarity diamond weighi...
Ruby Diamond and Emerald Cockatiel Brooch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful Bird Motif pin in 18k yellow gold. Pin weighs 16.00 dwt and contains 38 round rubies weighing approx 6.00ct, 39 round diamonds weighing 1.50ct with G/H Color VS/SI clarity,...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Mings Pearl Brooch in Sterling Silver
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: Sterling Silver Brooch Measurements: 2" x 1.25" Total Weight: 12.6 Grams Pearls: Akoya Pearls Condition: Preowned, good
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Antique Cameo Heart Pin with Diamond in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This antique cameo heart with diamond pin is made of 14K yellow gold. It contains a round diamond weighing 0.01 CTTW.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Old Mine Cut Diamond Pin in Platinum/18 Karat Gold/ 14 Karat Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Pin weighs 2.40 DWT (approx. 3.73 grams). It contains 2 old mine cut diamonds weighing 0.75 CTTW, 3 rose cut I-J color and SI clarity diamonds weighing 0.07 CTTW. Pin is made of Plat...
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Mings Pearl Leaf Branch Brooch in Sterling Silver
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: Sterling Silver Brooch Measurements: 1.8" x 1.5" Total Weight: 10.5 Grams Pearls: Akoya Pearls Condition: Preowned, good
Pearl, Sterling Silver
1970s Platinum Brooch with Approximately 18.00 Carat Total Diamonds
Located in Chicago, IL
This pin is made of platinum and weighs 15.70 DWT (approx. 24.42 grams). It contains 10 round diamonds weighing 3.00 CTTW, 41 baguette G-H color, VS clarity diamonds weighing 5.00 CT...
Diamond, Platinum
Mings Hawaii Hibiscus Brooch in Sterling Silver
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: Sterling Silver Brooch Measurements: 1.7" x 2" Total Weight: 15.9 Grams Condition: Preowned, good
Sterling Silver
Wedgwood Jasper Wear Blue Oval Earrings & Pendant Brooch Set in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
This gorgeous set features a brooch/pendant and a set of earrings. Each item features a carved out lady in a flowy dress carrying a bouquet on a baby blue jasper wear...
Jasper, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Pin 3.40 Carat Total Weight in Platinum, circa 1920s
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Platinum Pin, convertible to pendant with rings on reverse. Contains 2 European cut diamonds for a total 2.20ct, they are K/L color VS2 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Mings Hibiscus Flower Brooch in Sterling Silver
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: Sterling Silver Brooch Measurements: 1.75" x 2" Total Weight: 18.2 Grams Condition: Preowned, good
Sterling Silver
Antique Silver Gold Diamond Imperial Topaz Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Antique 14k gold and silver brooch, set with rose cut diamonds, pink Imperial topaz (measures approx. 10.7 x 8.2 x 6.15mm ) and a purple gemstone (approx. 9.25 x 7.8 x 5.9mm). Broo...
Diamond, Topaz, Gold, Silver