Balmain Metallic Crocheted Cotton-Blend Halter Playsuit
View Similar Items
Balmain Metallic Crocheted Cotton-Blend Halter Playsuit
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU73634823511
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.
- Issey Miyake Plaid Pleated Skirt & Blouse EnsembleBy Issey MiyakeLocated in Oakland, CATimeless Issey Miyake plaid skirt and blouse set. All over vertical pleating. Deep blue, teal, purples and a bit of turquoise. Blouse is sleeveless with V notch collar. Long stra...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Skirt Suits
- Vivienne Westwood tweed and denim 'time machine' jacket and mini skirt, fw 1988By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GBVivienne Westwood blue tweed and denim 'Time Machine' ensemble comprising: signature 'Armour' Jacket and orb logo micro mini skirt. Fall-Winter 1988Category
1980s British Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld lilac tweed jacket and maxi skirt suit, fw 1998By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, ChanelLocated in London, GB▪ Chanel lilac tweed skirt suit ▪ Designed by Karl Lagerfeld ▪ Cardigan jacket with dark lilac embroidered lattice trim ▪ 'CC' engraved silver metal cufflink buttons ▪ Maxi skirt wi...Category
1990s French Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- 1970S Halston Purple Silk Chiffon Metallic Studded EnsembleBy HalstonLocated in New York, NYAll over subtle fading and some pin holes please note photos for condition. Priced as is. 1970S Halston Purple Silk Chiffon Metallic Studded Ensem...Category
1970s Dress and Coat Ensembles
- 1970S Blue & Green Nylon Austrian Mod Ski Jacket Pants EnsembleLocated in New York, NY1970S Blue & Green Nylon Austrian Mod Ski Jacket Pants EnsembleCategory
1970s Twin Sets
- 1970S Red, White & Blue Polyester Double Knit Tunic Wild Plaid Bell Bottom PantLocated in New York, NY1970S Red, White & Blue Polyester Double Knit Tunic Wild Plaid Bell Bottom Pants Ensemble Gucci StyleCategory
1970s Jumpsuits