Balmain Couture Strapless Sequin Gown 1981
View Similar Items
Balmain Couture Strapless Sequin Gown 1981
About the Item
Balmain
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, Pierre Balmain 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 Balmain learned in his brief studies at the École des Beaux Arts served him well throughout his career.
Balmain founded his now-iconic label in 1945. Alongside fellow couture titans Christian Dior and Hubert de Givenchy, Balmain’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.
Balmain was among the first to offer French looks to the American market. Since Pierre Balmain’s death in 1982, the design reins 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 Balmain dresses, skirts, shoes and other garments and accessories on 1stDibs.
- Haute Couture Gown with Beaded BodiceBy Pierre BalmainLocated in Los Angeles, CAGown by Pierre Balmain Empire waist Striped beaded bodice Pink satin waistband Purple silk linen skirt Condition: Good vintage condition. Beading is de...Category
Mid-20th Century Evening Gowns
- Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Dress circa 1980sBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is an haute couture dress by Yves Saint Laurent c. 1980s. It is made from charcoal colored satin. It features gathered and folded fabric all around with a two tiered ruffled sk...Category
1980s Cocktail Dresses
- Christian Dior Haute Couture Gown Autuwm/Winter 1972By Christian DiorLocated in Los Angeles, CAHaute couture silk organza gown by Christian Dior Autumn/Winter 1972 Collection Floor length One Shoulder Ruffled bodice Blue lining topped with lightweight purple organza; gives cha...Category
1970s French Evening Gowns
$9,600 Sale Price20% Off - Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Lace DressBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Los Angeles, CAHaute Couture Lace Dress by Yves Saint Laurent White lace detail on bust White detachable belt Navy skirt Sleeveless Strapless Structured bust Scoop cut out on back Column silhoue...Category
20th Century French Evening Dresses and Gowns
$3,800 Sale Price20% Off - Radley of London by Ossie Clark DressBy Ossie Clark for Radley, RadleyLocated in Los Angeles, CARadley of London Dress by Ossie Clark Circa 1970's Vintage Made in England Black silk Floral jacquard pattern Halter tie neckline Neckline is a...Category
1970s English Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Attico Color Block Sequin Wrap DressLocated in Los Angeles, CAColor block sequin wrap dress by Attico Wrap style mini dress V-neckline Color-blocked multicolored sequins throughout Blouson Long sleeves with t...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Versace colour block runway gown, FW 1997By Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GBMy Runway Archive presents this very rare runway gown from the Versace FW 1997 collection in the signature Versace colour block. Material: Viscose, nylon, silk...Category
1990s European Evening Dresses
$1,323 Sale Price20% Off - Mariano Fortuny Amethyst Delphos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated amythest colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording. Named after a Greek cla...Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
Price Upon Request - Ralph Lauren Collection Purple Label Pink Ascot Dress & Jacket S/S 2008 Sz 4By Ralph Lauren Purple LabelLocated in Saint Petersburg, FLRalph Lauren Purple Label - Flirty pink and black dress with matching jacket. This dress was featured on the Spring/Summer 2008 40th Anniversary ...Category
Early 2000s American Informal Dresses
- Ralph Lauren Collection Purple Label Silk Nautical Evening Gown S/S 2016 Size 2By Ralph Lauren Purple LabelLocated in Saint Petersburg, FLRalph Lauren Purple Label - Full length nautical evening gown with voluminous sheer fabric panels. This vibrant gown has a strapless pleated bodice and built in corset with a zipper...Category
2010s American Evening Dresses
- 19c. Indian Tribal Violet Silk DressLocated in Sharon, CTHand woven violet silk dress with gold braid appliqué decoration on hem and sleeve cuffs. Fully lined in cotton and fine linen. Length of sleeve 20.5", shoulder to shoulder lenghth ...Category
19th Century Indian Wedding Dresses
- Chrisitan Dior by John Galliano Spring 2000 dressBy John Galliano for Christian DiorLocated in Brooklyn, NYChristian Dior by John Galliano distressed knit blue and silver dress from Spring Summer 2000 collection as seen on the runway. The dress has a lining that can be removed for a more ...Category
Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns