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
Jean Schlumberger, Tiffany & Co. Peridot and Ruby Thistle Brooch
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boston, MA
This late 20th century pin is comprised of full cut green peridots, and red rubys set in 18kt yellow gold in this whimsically classic floral thistle themed design. This pin measures ...
Peridot, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage Brooch from ANGELETTI PRIVATE COLLECTION Gold with Peridot Green Tourmal
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Jade Brooch From ANGELETTI PRIVATE COLLECTION White and Yellow gold 18kt with Diamonds and Rubies. This Brooch was Manufactured in ‘60s in...
Diamond, Peridot, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold
Original Art Nouveau 15ct Gold, Enamel and Natural Pearl Flower Brooch
Located in Armadale, Victoria
This enchanting brooch is a quintessential example of Art Nouveau jewellery, crafted from 15-carat yellow gold. The piece is a celebration of nature, art, and craftsmanship, capturin...
Natural Pearl, Gold, Enamel
Vintage Pearl Art Deco Floral Pendant/Pin/Brooch in 14 Karat Gold
Located in Milford, DE
Art deco pearls adorn this 14K gold triangular brooch/pendant decorated with floral motifs. Can be worn as a brooch, or attached to a chain and worn as a pendant. ... Tags, Marks, ...
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold
Art Deco Silver and Onyx Broach
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Art Deco silver Broach set with a large onyx in the middle and marcasites, English ca 1930's One marcasite is missing, see pictures
Marcasite, Onyx, Silver
Amethyst, Tourmaline, Topaz, and Diamond Pansy Pin, Signed Oscar Heyman Brothers
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Boston, MA
Purple Amethyst, Pink Topaz, Purplish Magenta Tourmaline, and sparkling white diamonds come together in a beautiful display of color to form a unique rendition of Oscar Heyman Brothe...
Diamond, White Diamond, Amethyst, Topaz, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Go...
Sapphire and Diamond Pansy Pin, Signed Tiffany & Co. by Oscar Heyman Brothers
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Boston, MA
Blue, fancy pink sapphires and diamonds are set in 18kt yellow gold and platinum in this whimsically classic floral pansy pin. Consisting of 48 mixed cut blue sapphires, 5 round cut blue sapphires, 30 round cut fancy pink sapphires, and 28 round brilliant cut diamonds. This pin measures approximately 1" in height. Stamped by Oscar Heyman Brothers for "Tiffany & Co.", serial no. "74551". *Shreve, Crump & Low Graduate Gemologist commentary: The Oscar Heyman Brothers pansy pin remains one of the most iconic brooch designs of the 20th century. Created in many combinations of gemstones, these special pins are a staple of any fine jewelry collector's gem box...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold...
Ruby and Diamond Flower Brooch, Signed Oscar Heyman Brothers
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Boston, MA
This whimsical floral motif brooch is comprised of 18 karat yellow and white gold and consists of step-cut rubies having an estimated total weight of 13 carats, 7 round brilliant dia...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Sterling Silver Flower Pin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Art Deco Sterling Silver Flower Pin with Marcasite and Onyx, English ca 1930's
Marcasite, Onyx, Sterling Silver
Schlumberger Tiffany Co. Sapphire, Emerald and Yellow Gold Thistle Brooch
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boston, MA
This late 20th century pin is comprised of full cut blue sapphire, and green emeralds set in 18kt yellow gold in this whimsically classic floral thistle themed design. This pin measu...
Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Canary and Colorless Diamond Pansy Pin, Signed Oscar Heyman Brothers
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Boston, MA
Fancy yellow canary diamonds and white diamonds are set in 18kt yellow gold and platinum in this whimsically classic floral pansy pin. Consisting of approximately 117 round brilliant...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$20,936
H 3.23 in W 1.19 in D 0.75 in
Gold and Enamel Watch/Chatelaine, Viennese Craftsmanship, circa 1860-1870
Located in Paris, FR
Chatelaine in gold and enamel. The chatelaine is ornamented with three painted medallions in monochrome pink and features cupids. These medallions are linked by S-shaped motifs in re...
Gold, Enamel