1980s Pierre Balmain Grey and White Floral Print Draped Dress
View Similar Items
1980s Pierre Balmain Grey and White Floral Print Draped Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 43.71 in (111 cm)Marked Size: 12 (UK)Bust: 38.59 in (98 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU44231476343
Pierre Balmain
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.
- Vintage 1970s Berketex Floral Gown with BoleroLocated in London, GBStunning for Summer. This floral gown by British firm Berketx is a real head turner. In a vivid mix of colours , greens, lilac, purple and burgundy, it hangs beautifuly. The dress i...Category
1970s Maxi Dresses
- Vintage 1950s Dusty Pink Prom Style DressLocated in London, GBThis is a stunning 1950s in a soft dusty pink. The fabric is a ribbed, structured silk that helps to shape the dress. The skirt is densely gathered around the waist so the skirt has...Category
1950s Formal Wear
- A Vintage 1960s Floral Print Summer Day DressLocated in London, GBA pretty vintage dress for Spring/Summer, in a green, burgundy, blue and cream floral print. The dress has a pleat and gathering at the front wi...Category
1950s Unknown Day Dresses
- Vintage Tailored Grey and White CoatdressLocated in London, GBA super chic vintage tailored coatdress. The dress has a white lining at the collar, elbow length sleaves and a double row of buttons. It is unlined...Category
1960s Unknown Day Dresses
- Cordings White DressLocated in London, GBA white dress by Cordings, the dress is in a cotton /wool mix with a scoop neckline and v front , fully lined with a back central zip. Measurements: Bust ...Category
Early 2000s British Day Dresses
- Vintage Hardy Amies Blue and White Silk Shirt DressBy Hardy AmiesLocated in London, GBA chic and easy to wear vintage silk shirt dress by Hardy Amies, ( by appointment to the Queen). In a super soft silk with a pretty blue and w...Category
1960s British Day Dresses
- Antik Batik Pink Silk Leather Kaftan Blouson DressLocated in Brindisi, BtAntik Batik women's vintage short dress. Powder pink color, 100% silk, applications sewn by hand 100% leather. V-neckline, elasticated waist belt, lined. 1...Category
1990s Indian Tunics and Wrap Dresses
- Alberta Ferretti Gray Cotton Vintage Off Shoulder DressBy Alberta FerrettiLocated in Brindisi, BtAlberta Ferretti 90s vintage off shoulder dress. Short dress with sweetheart neckline, gray with white stitching. Zip closure along the chest, on th...Category
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Comme des Garcons Coveted 2011 Hybrid Vintage Scarf DressBy Comme des GarçonsLocated in Los Angeles, CARei Kawakubo's "Hybrid Fashion" collection of F/W 2011 features asymmetric ruched, twisted and draped dresses on a background, showcasing a colorful display of multiple vintage silk scarves. Rei has incorporated her longtime personal collection of scarves into this unique, vintage scarf dress...Category
2010s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Versace multicoloured dress chemisier with belt NWOTBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Capri, ITVersace multicoloured dress chemisier with belt NWOTCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Day Dresses
$1,197 Sale Price44% Off - Nina Ricci White Cotton Blend Lace Dress FR36By Nina RicciLocated in Brossard, QCLined with silk for a luxurious feel, nina ricci's cotton-blend lace dress is a fantasy of a frock. The snow-white colour, flocks of texture at the hem and a-line silhouette make it...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail Dresses
- Moroccan Floral White Kaftan Maxi Dress Caftan Size LargeLocated in North Hollywood, CAElegant Moroccan caftan white floral embroidered with gold trim, circa 1970s. This long maxi dress kaftan trim is embroidered and embellished entirely by hand. One of a kind evening ...Category
20th Century Moroccan Kaftans
$520 Sale Price20% Off