Pierre Balmain silk faille ivory cocktail dess, c. 1960s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. excellent vintage condition measurements: Bust: 31inch Waist; 27inch Hip: 32inch Strap: 14inch Skirt: 28 inch Total length : 38inch.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU917118521832
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Jean Patou silk gold top and natural linen Maxi-skirt evening ensemble, c.1970sBy Jean PatouLocated in London, GBIt is impossible to think of the history of French fashion without referring to Jean Patou. With contemporaries such as Edward Molyneux, Lucien Lelong...Category
1970s Maxi Dress
- Louis Feraud red and tartan moiré evening dress, Circa 1980By Louis FeraudLocated in London, GBThis Louis Feraud dress is constructed from a silk-like moiré polyester material. Worn with a patten leather belt.Featuring a round neckline, long sleeves and fitted bodice. The ful...Category
1980s French Evening Dresses
- Hermès unusual toile de jouy cotton dress. circa 1960sBy HermèsLocated in London, GBHeritage and tradition are key words in fashion to describe Hermès. Like many of the world’s most prestigious luxury , such as Gucci and Vuitton, Hermès have a long history going back more than a century. This dress is a piece that certainly embodies Hermès's luxury and elegance. Constructed from a cotton toile de journey...Category
1960s French Cocktail Dresses
- Vintage Gianni Versace for Genny silk & silver beads 20s style dress, c.1980sBy Gianni Versace for GennyLocated in London, GBThe Genny brand was launched in the ‘60s by Arnaldo Girombelli. It became quickly popular representing the main strengths of Made in Italy products, that is great quality and design ...Category
1980s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Hèrmes Frontaux et Cocardes Limited edition silk dress, circa 1968By HermèsLocated in London, GBSince 1937, Hermès has called upon artists to create art on silk for their scarves, shirts and other signature pieces. The print for this elegant dress was conceived by the French a...Category
1960s French Mini Dress
- Valentino couture Swiss dot tulle and silk-wool jersey cocktail dress. c. 1970sBy Valentino CoutureLocated in London, GBSensuality, delicacy, glamour and grandeur are four words often used to summarise Valentino’s approach to dress design. A superstar designer who designed Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’...Category
1970s French Cocktail Dresses
- Mariano Fortuny Claret Delphos. Provenance Tina ChowBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated claret colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording. The beads are amber glass with...Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
- 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
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
Roberto Cavalli Leopard Print Sequin Dress F/W 2007 Size 38ITBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Saint Petersburg, FLRoberto Cavalli - This gold and brown leopard print sequin dress is reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe "curve appeal". The sexy, dress is made out of shimmery silk sequin fabric. The dre...CategoryEarly 2000s Italian Sac Evening Dresses
Vintage 1930's Gold Silk Lamé & Beadwork Gown UK 10 US 6Located in Cheltenham, GBThis truly magnificent 1930's gold silk lamé dress, embellished with trailing gunmetal grey and silver beadwork, is a phenomenal piece to add to your e...Category1930s Evening Gowns
Chanel Chiffon Full Length Abstract Print Runway Dress 06P 2006By ChanelLocated in Merced, CAChanel full length dress from Chanel Spring 2006 collection. It is adorned with Chanel interlocking CC logo buttons and abstract print throughout an...Category20th Century French Summer Dresses