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
Star Orb Necklace Black Enamel Black Diamond White Diamond
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Star Orb Necklace Black Enamel Black Diamond White Diamond Material 14k Gold plate Gems: White Diamond and Black Diamond Enamel Length: Long 28" Designer: J DAUPHIN White Dia...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel
Buddha on Lotus Diamond Pendant in 18k Yellow and White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Pendant Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Measurements: 1.25" x 0.50" Diamond Color: H Diamond Clarity: SI1 Diamond Weight: .03 carats Total Weight: 4.4 Grams C...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Heart Necklace Diamond Pearl Blue Enamel Gold Plated
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Natural White Diamond Pearl Puffy Heart Necklace Midnight Blue Enamel Designer: J Dauphin The Midnight Blue Puffy Heart Necklace is a structural statement piece handcrafted in 14k g...
Freshwater Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Brass, Gold Pla...
Vintage faux tortoiseshell necklace iconic horn and lacquer luxury designs
Located in Kings Langley, GB
Elevate your jewelry collection with this stunning, high-contrast statement necklace. Inspired by the iconic horn and lacquer designs of luxury heritage houses, it combines oversize...
Neck Collar Choker Necklace Star Blue Sapphire Diamond J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Star Choker Torque Necklace Black Diamond Blue Sapphire White Diamond Celestial Jewelry 14k Gold Plated Designer J DAUPHIN Handcrafted in a heavy 14k gold finish over brass, this rigid open neck torque features an asymmetrical celestial composition of star motifs. One side presents three star motifs set with black diamonds, balanced on the opposite side by a single star detailed with blue sapphire and white diamonds, drawing from configurations of 19th-century devotional jewelry. The star motifs are a symbol of balance, guidance, and orientation, representing the relationship between the earthly and the celestial. Blue sapphires represent strength and resilience, while white and black diamonds represent clarity and depth. The gold-finished collar references the craft of devotional jewelry, transforming this layout into a tool for modern life. Established in 2006 by Johanna DAUPHIN, the brand is built on a foundation of craftsmanship developed during her work as a designer at Fendi and Tod’s in Italy. Her years living and creating across Italy, Paris, New York, and Los Angeles have shaped the brand’s perspective. The designer has earned recognition, with collections carried in department stores. Known for creating pieces and styling rockstars in the music industry, her work balances luxury with execution. Materials: 14k gold over brass, blue sapphire, black diamonds, and white diamonds Design: Rigid open collar neck torque with an asymmetrical star design Style: 14k gold star torque necklace, diamond celestial neck bangle, blue sapphire star pendant...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
Black Diamond Heart Necklace Black Enamel Gold Plated Victorian Revival
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Diamond Puffy Heart Necklace Black Enamel Gold Plated Designer: J DAUPHIN The Black Diamond Puffy Heart is a symbolic sculptural piece by J DAUPHIN, drawing inspiration from t...
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel
Heart Necklace White Diamond Pearl Rosario Chain J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White Diamond Pearl Heart Necklace Rosario Chain J Dauphin The White Diamond Puffy Heart Necklace by J Dauphin is a sculptural statement piece that reimagines Victorian sentimental ...
White Diamond, Pearl, Gold Plate, Brass
Chunky Chain Choker Necklace 14k Gold Plated Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chunky Chain Choker Necklace 14k Gold Plated Silver French Antique Chain Choker 14k Gold Plated Silver Designer: J Dauphin The French Antique-Inspired Chain is a structural stateme...
14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
14K Yellow Gold Italian Omega Necklace, 16-Inch Retro Choker, 1990s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This elegant 14K gold Omega necklace features a sleek and refined design. Measuring 16 inches in length, it has a delicate yet durable 4mm width, making it a versatile accessory for ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl Necklace Choker
Located in New York, NY
A white cultured pearl bead choker necklace with 14-kt white gold clasp, circa mid-20th century. A beautiful necklace comprised of graduated white cultured pearls, finished with a 14...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
Pink Opal Necklace Round Bead Choker 15 Inch J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pink Opal Round Bead Choker Necklace 15 Inch Designer J DAUPHIN This choker necklace is constructed from round pink opal beads measuring 38 cm (15 inches) in length. Pink opal is...
Opal
Choker Necklace Shark Tooth Black Enamel Aquamarine Gold Plated J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k Gold Plated Shark Tooth Pendant Necklace Aquamarine Black Enamel Choker Designer J DAUPHIN This handcrafted structural necklace is made of 14k gold plated brass. The design fea...
Gold, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
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...