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Pierre Balmain Couture Ballgown 1955 Iconic Gown Dress

About the Item

'La Robe Broderie À Ramages' PIERRE BALMAIN PARIS Made In France, ca.1955 Majestic evening gown in silk and cream satin with the most astonishing embroiderery by PIERRE BALMAIN Haute Couture workshop bolduc, numbered 33, named handwritten and stamped inside the corset bodice. Iconic museum worthy piece of Fashion History. This Gown is truly a masterful work of Art. Incredible hand stiched floral and leaf embroideryt, it truly takes Your breath away admiring these ornate pearl and sequin embellishments, creating a pituresque theme of nature. It feels like the shimmering leaves are falling in slow motion. One of a kind wearable Art. A luxurious and intricately detailed piece, reflecting the grandeur and meticulous craftsmanship characteristic of mid-20th century Haute Couture. The dress features a full, floor-length skirt and a fitted bodice, creating a classic hourglass silhouette that was highly popular during the 1950s. The bodice is particularly striking, adorned with elaborate beadwork and embroidery that includes floral and foliate motifs, accented with sparkling embellishments and sequins. The materials and design elements combine to produce a shimmering effect, highlighting the sophisticated and elegant style of the era. The use of light-reflecting decorations and the attention to detailed patterns exemplify Balmain's reputation for luxurious and elaborately designed garments. Overall, the dress exudes a sense of opulence and grace, showcasing the high level of artistry and skill in design during this period. With almost 70 years old and well-preserved for its extremely delicate nature, especially given the fragile materials and intricate embellishments used in its manufacture. Of course there is some wear like missing pearls, some discolouration, soiling at the bottom seam, worn out straps and torn inside lining. The ability to maintain such a piece in good condition over the decades not only shows the quality and care with which it was originally made, but also the meticulous care it has received over the years. Measurements: lenthg without straps ca. 145cm,waist lying flat ca.33/34cm Extremely rare collectors piece. Pierre Balmain established the Balmain fashion house in 1945. From the beginning, his distinctively opulent and feminine style stood out sharply against the practical fashions of the era, embedding a unique and ultra-feminine identity in the brand. This identity was characterized by luxuriously embroidered materials, tightly cinched waists, and longer, voluminous skirts, quickly elevating the Parisian label to a status adored by European and Hollywood elites. Balmain initiated his post-war fashion career in Lucien Lelong's workshop, collaborating with notable designers like Dior and Hubert de Givenchy. His departure to start his own brand brought swift success, largely due to his expertise in haute couture. As noted by the New York Times, Pierre Balmain was considered one of the influential designers who rejuvenated Parisian haute couture following the German occupation, alongside peers such as Cristobal Balenciaga, Jacques Fath, and Christian Dior. According to a 1958 article in Le Monde, Pierre Balmain had an impressive roster of celebrity clients. Lili Palmer exclusively wore his light wools day and night, whereas Ingrid Bergman enjoyed the freedom to choose from various designs. Meanwhile, Brigitte Bardot garnered attention with a velvet dress paired with a matching coat, specially designed for her by Balmain. Over the years, Balmain has consistently honored its founder's pioneering ethos. Following Pierre Balmain's death in 1982, the brand has been helmed by several influential designers who have skillfully blended contemporary designs with the original ethos and traditions of the label. Notably, Oscar de la Renta led the brand through the 1990s with collections that reflected the vibrant colors, fluidity, and elegance of Balmain’s hallmark “Jolie Madame” style. please note that any pictures of documentation e.g. editorials are meant to show the style and vibe and do not show the actual piece for sale.

Designer:
Pierre Balmain
Brand:
Pierre Balmain
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
1950-1959
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. see description, good condition according to age.
Seller Location:
Berlin, DE
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2727222797132

Shop All Pierre Balmain

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.

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