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 Rare Gold Swirl Conch Shell Charms Chunky Bib 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
Vintage 1930s Cobalt Blue Glass & Clear Faceted Crystal Bead Necklace, Art Deco
Located in Milford, DE
Vintage 1930s Cobalt Blue Glass & Clear Faceted Crystal Bead Necklace, Art Deco Style, Hand-Linked A beautiful example of early-century costume jewelry craftsmanship, this vintag...
Crystal
Statement Taj Crystal Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estates, IL
A stunning statement piece with intricate details. Embellished with cubic zircon, red, black and faux amethyst crystals. Only 1 available. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view ...
Crystal, Zircon, Base Metal, Brass
1984 Vintage Chanel Multi Strand Choker Necklace Faux Pearls Yellow Gold Tone
By Chanel
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Chanel multi-strand necklace crafted in yellow gold tone (circa 1984). The necklace features 3 strands of 10mm faux pearls with 2 strands of yellow gold plated wheat-style chains. Measuring 17 inches in length the necklace is slightly adjustable to 19 inches. Given the multiple strands (and the thickness of the chain metal and faux pearl strands...
Base Metal
Chanel Gold 24k Plated Ring Double Chain Vintage Choker
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A striking and highly collectible design from the House of Chanel, this vintage choker features a bold double chain construction anchored by a signature ring detail—embodying the hou...
Just Thinking, Melanie Yazzie, pendant, Navajo, F*&k Off, sterling silver
By Melanie Yazzie
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Just Thinking, Melanie Yazzie pendant Navajo, F*&k Off, cast sterling silver Melanie A. Yazzie (Navajo-Diné) is a highly regarded multimedia artist known for her printmaking, painti...
Sterling Silver
$325 / item
W 1.75 in L 1.5 in
Kitty, medium, pendant, by Melanie Yazzie, Navajo, Indigenous, silver, cat
By Melanie Yazzie
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Kitty, medium, pendant, by Melanie Yazzie, Navajo, Indigenous, silver, cat Melanie A. Yazzie (Navajo-Diné) is a highly regarded multimedia artist known for her printmaking, painting...
Silver
Chunky Chain Necklace Sterling Silver
By Cristina Cipolli Jewellery
Located in London, Richmond
The 925core necklace is an elegantly subversive and genderless chain choker inspired by the boldness and power of sterling silver metal. Its design is a modern interpretation of punk...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Kenneth Lane Pearl and Rhinestone Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Stunning Kenneth J. Lane pearl collar necklace featuring clear rhinestones in a silver-tone setting. I believe this is part of his "Let Them Eat Cake " line. Signed, "Kenneth Lane."...
Pearl
Chanel White Pearl Choker Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A classic and sophisticated piece from the House of Chanel, this white pearl choker necklace embodies timeless elegance and iconic design. Featuring lustrous white pearls, the necklace offers a refined and feminine aesthetic that effortlessly elevates both everyday and evening looks. The choker length sits gracefully along the neckline, creating a polished and modern silhouette. Accented with Chanel’s signature CC detailing, the piece reflects the brand’s unmistakable identity while maintaining a sense of understated luxury. The harmonious balance between the luminous pearls and the iconic motif makes this necklace both versatile and instantly recognizable. Designed to be worn alone as a statement or layered with other pieces for a contemporary look, this Chanel pearl choker remains a staple accessory for collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike. Chanel pearl jewelry...
1995 Vintage Chanel Choker Necklace Double Strand 12mm Faux Pearls Gripoix Clasp
By Chanel
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Chanel double-strand choker necklace finished with a crystal and blue stone textured Gripoix clasp (circa 1995). The necklace features 12mm faux pearls of irregular shape w...
Crystal, Base Metal
1995 Vintage Chanel Choker Necklace Large 14.5mm Faux Pearls Yellow Gold Tone
By Chanel
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Chanel choker necklace with a yellow gold-tone textured toggle clasp (circa 1995). The necklace features 14.5mm faux pearls o...
Vintage Chanel Pearl Necklace with Gold CC Logo Accent
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
An iconic and highly collectible design from the House of Chanel, this vintage pearl necklace features the timeless combination of luminous pearls and a gold-tone CC logo one of the ...
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 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...