1960's PIERRE BALMAIN velvet and lace dress with beading
View Similar Items
1960's PIERRE BALMAIN velvet and lace dress with beading
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 60 in (152.4 cm)Bust: 36 in (91.44 cm)Waist: 32 in (81.28 cm)Hip: 36 in (91.44 cm)
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. a few very small breaks in lace (one break underarm which is completely hidden) and a few random missing beads.
- Seller Location:San Fransisco, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU130915812210
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.
- COMME DES GARCONS navy blue sheer dress with rufflesBy Comme des GarçonsLocated in San Fransisco, CANavy blue, asymmetrically cut dress with ruffles from Comme Des Garcons dating to 2008. Size S. Approximate measurements: bust 38", hip 42" and length 40". Sli...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Day Dresses
- new 2017 SAINT LAURENT by Anthony Vaccarello black velvet RUNWAY dress with roseBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in San Fransisco, CADramatic, jet black velvet dress with long attached scarf and rose brooch detail designed by Anthony Vaccarello for Saint Laurent exactly as seen on the 2017 fall runway. Dress can b...Category
2010s French Evening Gowns
- 1970's HALSTON black velvet bias cut dressBy HalstonLocated in San Fransisco, CAVery rare, jet black velvet, bias cut gown designed by Roy Halston Frowick dating to the 1970's. Labeled a size 4. Dress best fits a 2 to a slim 6. Approximate measurements (unstretc...Category
1970s North American Maxi Dress
- 1990's LANVIN navy polka dotted dress with three-quarter sleevesBy Lanvin ParisLocated in San Fransisco, CANavy polka dotted dress with three-quarter sleeves designed by Lanvin dating to the 1990's. French size 36. Approximate measurements: bust 32", waist 28.5", fully hips, arm length fr...Category
1990s French Day Dresses
- 1960's ALICE POLLOCK / QUORUM black moss crepe halter dress with fringeBy Alice Pollock, QuorumLocated in San Fransisco, CAVery rare black moss crepe halter gown with handkerchief hemline and fringed trim from Alice Pollock from her Quorum boutique dating to late 1960's. Alice established her Quorum bout...Category
1960s English Cocktail Dresses
- JEAN PAUL GAULTIER black tuxedo gown with draped silk scarfBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in San Fransisco, CABlack tuxedo gown with satin trim and draped silk scarf designed by Jean Paul Gaultier. Labeled a French size 38 (Italian 42). Approximate measuremen...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Jean Muir Emerald Green Viscose Jersey Cocktail DressBy Jean MuirLocated in New York, NYJean Muir emerald green jersey cocktail dress with long wrap sash. Sash may also be worn as long scarf around neck, and tied at lower back. Front of dress has asymmetrical pleating. ...Category
Late 20th Century British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Badgley Mischka Beaded Black Silk Lace Evening Gown Size US 10By Badgley MischkaLocated in New York, NYBadgley Mischka glamorous black silk lace evening gown, size US 10. Gown features hand beaded and embroidered lace with glass jet beading, and neckline with glass jet beads along cu...Category
Late 20th Century American Evening Gowns
- Roberto Cavalli Tiger Print Jersey Cocktail / Dinner Dress Size 46 EUBy Roberto CavalliLocated in New York, NYRoberto Cavalli tiger print ivory jersey cocktail dress with 3/4 length sleeves. This fun dress is form fitted, gathered at the bust with beautiful...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Giambattista Valli Ivory Crepe Sleeveless Wedding Gown Dress EU 40By Giambattista ValliLocated in New York, NYElegant Giambattista Valli ivory crepe sleeveless wedding gown has a delicate fitted bust, darts to accentuate the length of waist, which is finished with a stitched ribbon at the wa...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
$2,000 Sale Price20% Off - Mariano Fortuny Sienna Peplos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated sienna colored silk with silk cording along side seams,shoulders and tunic hem with multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Peplos
Price Upon Request - Mariano Fortuny Rare Shell Pink Long Sleeved Delphos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYDescription: This dress is made of finely pleated shell pink colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
Price Upon Request