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 Elegant Beadwork Choker
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Rare, Original Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Elegant Beadwork Choker from the 1950's. Bias chiffon covered "tube" base with hand beaded fringe of hand made pate de verre beads, faux p...
Brass, Bronze, Gilt Metal
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
$203Sale Price|30% Off
H 0.87 in W 0.48 in L 20.08 in
Carved Pink Shell Cameo Pendant Necklace, 10 Karat Gold, 1940s
Located in Milford, DE
A carved open back shell cameo in an oval filigree setting, hanging on a complimentary fine chain necklace. Pendant is 10K gold, circa late 1800s, Victorian. Complimentary chain is 1...
14k Gold
14 Karat Gold Rectangular Link Chain with Hexagon Charm Holder
By Amy Glaswand
Located in New York, NY
A rectangular link chain, finished with large jump rings, provides the setting for our pendants to be layered. The chain holds a chunky, hexagon charm holder...
Gold, 14k Gold
Memento All Diamond Flower Charm Pendant
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
A collection symbolizing a special life moment or a new chapter in our life, the Memento collection is a luxurious and modern representation of classical motifs. This collection feat...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel
$5,525 / item
H 0.5 in W 0.38 in D 0.14 in
Alex Sepkus "Cross" Pendant Necklace with Tsavorite Garnet and Diamonds in Gold
By Alex Sepkus
Located in SOLVANG, CA
From the studio of Alex Sepkus in New York - 18 karat yellow gold "Cross" pendant necklace with one vivid green tsavorite garnet and five brilliant white diamonds. Hand-hammered 18 k...
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearls and Diamonds Chain Choker Necklace, 18k Gold
By Michelle Massoura Fine Jewellery
Located in Nicosia, CY
An array of dangling freshwater pearls in various sizes accentuated by glimmering natural diamonds hanging from a delicate chain fitted closely around the neck. A modern take on th...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Letter M Diamond Initial Pearl Necklace, Natural Diamonds 18K, 17inch chain
By Michelle Massoura Fine Jewellery
Located in Nicosia, CY
Honor the love you have for yourself or a special someone with our Diamond Initial Petal Necklace. The initial is casted from 18Karat Yellow Gold and set with natural glimmering diamonds on a freshwater petal shaped pearl. Each petal pearl...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
22 Karat Gold Garnet Pendant
By Romae Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
22 Karat Yellow Gold Garnet Pendant by ROMAE Jewelry Based on an Ancient Design. Our distinctive "Pontus" pendant features a shape that is strikingly modern in design, and is based o...
Agate, Chalcedony, Onyx, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
South Sea Pearl Necklace in 18K Gold with Graduated Large White Pear
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
This magnificent necklace features a stunning strand of rare, large South Sea pearls, renowned for their luminous glow and exceptional surface quality. Expertly matched and beautiful...
South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold
10.14carat Royal Blue Sapphire Diamond Statement Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Add a majestic touch to your ensemble with this stunning 10.14carat royal blue sapphire diamond statement necklace! This eye-catching necklace will turn heads with its dazzling poppi...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Gold Necklace with Tassels and Diamonds Clasp
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Gold Necklace with Tassels and Diamonds Clasp Fashionable yellow gold necklace with 15 gold tassels that adjust to wanted length. Made in ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,640Sale Price / item|24% Off
H 0.87 in W 0.87 in Dm 0.87 in
"ORA" Gold Silk Talisman Pendant YG 18kt, Openable Clasps and White Diamonds
By Anna Maccieri Rossi
Located in Santarcangelo Di Romagna, IT
"ORA" GOLD SILK TALISMAN PENDANT in YG 18kt , openable clasps and White Diamonds. ORA TALISMAN reminds that Time is now and we should live with awareness and spirit of magic.
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Memento Half Gold, Half Diamond Sun with Pages Charm Pendant
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
A collection symbolizing a special life moment or a new chapter in our life, the Memento collection is a luxurious and modern representation of classical motifs. This collection feat...
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 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 Medallion Crest Rhinestone Necklace
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage PIERRE BALMAIN Medallion Crest Rhinestone Necklace Measurements: Height: 2 5/8 inches Wearable Length: 16 1/8 inches Features: - 100% ...
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...