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.
Pierre Balmain Silk Safety Pin Dress
By Pierre Balmain, Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful pale yellow silk dress from Pierre Balmain. It is semi fitted skimming the body with a crew neckline and long sleeves adorned along the outside with dozens of silver safety...
Pierre Balmain Bodycon Dress with Sheer Shoulders and Waist
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous black bandage dress from Pierre Balmain. It has a stand up collar, long sleeves and is fitted through to the hips. There are fabulous horizontal sheer panels around the sh...
A Pierre Balmain Couture Turquoise Silk Chiffon Cocktail Gown- France Circa 1958
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1958 France Sumptuous cocktail or ball gown with Princess line by Pierre Balmain Haute Couture numbered 83214. Sleeveless dress with a cowl neckline draped with polka-dot musli...
A Pierre Balmain woollen Couture Dress Numbered 182888 - Spring Summer 1963
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Spring Summer 1963 France A Pierre Balmain dress in cream wool jersey from the 1960s. Sleeveless dress with straight cut tightened at the waist with loose effect. At the front, there...
Pierre Balmain White Bodycon Dress
By Pierre Balmain, Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous white body conscious bandage dress from Pierre Balmain. It has long sleeves, a square cut neckline, and fabulous ribbed panels accentuating the waist and bust. It is unl...
1990s PIERRE BALMAIN Black and White Snakeskin Cold Shoulder Sexy Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy 90s vintage PIERRE BALMAIN black, white and gray snakeskin print cold shoulder mini dress! Bodycon fit with so much attention to detail. Flattering ruching down the side. Simply...
A Pierre Balmain Lurex Knitting Three-pieces Set - France Circa 1980
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1980 France Pierre Balmain three-piece knitwear set in silver and purple lurex. Long-sleeved, tight-fitting top with cuffs. Small turtleneck closing with invisible staples. Lon...
Pierre Balmain Mini Dress in Blue Denim
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Houston, TX
From one of the most loved brands in the fashion industry comes this Pierre Balmain dress, which is a classic piece to own. This mini dress is crafted from blue-hued denim featuring ...
Pierre Balmain Ruched Dress
By Balmain Paris, Pierre Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous orange fine stretch silk dress from Pierre Balmain. It has a plunging V neckline with a vertically ruched bodice, horizontally ruched waist and skirt which is framed on ...
NWT Pierre Balmain Sz 40 / 8 Chainmail One Shoulder Grey Wool Metal Mesh Dress
By Balmain, Pierre Balmain
Located in San Diego, CA
Brand new with tags early 2000s PIERRE BALMAIN gray wool and cashmere one shoulder chain mail cocktail dress! Features one shoulder of metal mesh chainmail, produced by Whiting & Dav...
Pierre Balmain New Lace Up Bandage Dress
By Pierre Balmain, Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black bandage dress from Pierre Balmain. It is fitted and has a plunging front neckline with adjustable lacing through to the waist. There is lacing along the tops of th...
A Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Cocktail Dress Numbered 112776 Circa 1965
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1965/1970. France Elegant Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Cocktail Dress numbered 112776 Circa 1965/1970. Dress in printed silk, sleeveless, skin-tight and hugging the hips, waist...
Pierre Balmain 1980s Pink Abstract Flower Geometric Silk Linen Vintage 80s Dress
By Pierre Balmain, Balmain Paris
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1980s PIERRE BALMAIN pink, black and white abstract geometric flower print sleeveless belted dress ! Features a soft silk and linen blend. Pockets at each side of the waist. But...
Pierre Balmain One Sleeve Dress with Side Cut outs
By Pierre Balmain, Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black bodycon bandage dress from Pierre Balmain. It has one sleeve and a series of diamond shaped cut outs from under the bust to the hips on one side. The skirt is stra...
Pierre Balmain New Geometric Print Lace up Dress
By Pierre Balmain, Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous geometric ikat print stretch dress from Pierre Balmain in red, blue, yellow, black and white. It has long sleeves and a V neckline with functional black lacing to...
1950S PIERRE BALMAIN Ivory Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Ruched Strapless Cocktail
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
1950S PIERRE BALMAIN Ivory Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Ruched Strapless Cocktail Dress
Pierre Balmain (Attributed to) Haute Couture A-Line Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Geneva, CH
Late sixties wool and silk snakeskin like dress, attributed to Pierre Balmain haute couture. Lovely A-line cut, "tie collar" and zipped back. Fully lined in refined black silk, the d...
Pierre Balmain 'Couture' Black Linen Dress with Bow Accent
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a gorgeous COUTURE Pierre Balmain dress. The dress is composed of a wonderful black heavy weight linen. This three quarter dress features a front draped bow design and side b...
Pierre Cardin Iconic 1960s Dress
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Water Mill, NY
An iconic 1960s yellow linen dress from Pierre Cardin. It has a stand up collar and cap sleeves with trapunto embroidery around them, the hem and f...
$950
Size: Small - Medium
Vivienne Tam 1990s Vintage Blue Multi Colored Semi Sheer Watercolor Print Dress
By Vivienne Tam
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing early 90s VIVIENNE TAM empire waist dress and slip set! Features a vibrant blue, white, red, pink, and green. Dress is signature mesh. Slip is blue jersey that stretches to f...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Pink Silk Flower Dress
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful blush pink silk dress with green and bright pink flowers by John Galliano for Christian Dior. It has ruched straps forming a front V, the skirt falls in gentle folds to the hem and there are the signature Dior self covered buttons...
Chic 1960s Oatmeal Beige Irish Linen Vintage 60s A Line Dress w/ Pockets
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1960s oatmeal / beige colored Irish Linen A-Line dress! Features a textured tweed-like soft linen. Fitted bodice with a forgiving flattering A Line skirt. Pockets at each side o...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN green silk PLATOS ATLANTIS PRAYING MANTIS GOWN Dress L
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Zürich, CH
Alexander McQueen 'Praying Mantis' empire down in green silk (100%) with a round neck and is sleeveless. This collector piece is from the SS 2010 Platos Atlantis collection. Flares f...
Rick Owens " Vicious " Pearl SS 2014 Light Gray Draped Body Con T Shirt Dress
By Rick Owens
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing signature dress from RICK OWENS! Beautiful Pearl (light grey) color. Intricate draping detail looks amazing on, and is a trademark signature of Owens'. Super soft lightweight...
Zac Posen Early 2000s Navy Blue Size 2 / 4 Bodycon Cap Sleeve Dress
By Zac Posen
Located in San Diego, CA
Flattering early 2000s ZAC POSEN navy blue bodcon dress! Signature stitching hides any 'problem' areas. Stretch virgin wool blend, and fully lined in silk. Tulip hem in th eback. Hid...
Chanel Boutique Black Silk Slip Dress Size 38
By Chanel Boutique
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: Featuring black silk, spaghetti straps, mid length, ruffled detail, slit on the back, rear button closure, the buttons stamped with Chanel Paris.
Robert Rodriguez Silk Dress with Large Flower
By Robert Rodriguez
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous mint green silk dress by Robert Rodriguez. It has spaghetti straps and lots of diagonal seaming leading to a large petal flower compri...
Oscar de la Renta Summer Late Day Evening Party Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fabulous Oscar de la Renta crisp white organza party pouf from the designer's runway collection. The one being offered is identical to that in the runway photo below. The red and wh...
Vicky Tiel Ruched Strapless Dress
By Vicky Tiel
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous stretch silk net dress from Vicky Tiel Couture in a beautiful shade of green. It has a boned strapless corset style bodice wrapped flatteringly with ruching crisscrossing ...
Christian Dior by John Galliano taupe open-knit dress, ss 2001
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
▪ Christian Dior taupe open-knit dress ▪ Designed by John Galliano ▪ Spring-Summer 2001 ▪ Double-layered ▪ Multiple shoulder straps ▪ Figure-hugging fit ▪ Deep v neckline ▪ Asymm...
Sleeveless cocktail dress in silver lurex knit Pierre Balmain Les Tricots
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Sleeveless cocktail dress in silver lurex knit . No fabric composition tag but lining probably acetate or rayon. SIZE L
Sold
Size: Equivalent size France 35-36
A Pierre Balmain Couture Turquoise Silk Chiffon Cocktail Gown- France Circa 1958
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1958 France Sumptuous cocktail or ball gown with Princess line by Pierre Balmain Haute Couture numbered 83214. Sleeveless dress with a cowl neckline draped with polka-dot musli...
Long white cotton dress with flowers crochet appliqué Pierre Balmain
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long white cotton dress with flowers crochet appliqué. Zip and snap in the back
PIERRE BALMAIN black & silver STUDDED SLEEVELESS MINI Dress XS
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Pierre Balmain studded mini dress in black viscose (92%) and spandex (8%). Unlined. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measurements Tag Size XS Size XS Shou...
Sold
Size: French equivalent size 36/38
Pierre Balmain Couture Embroidered Cocktail Dress Numbered 127770 - Spring 1963
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Spring 1963 France Majestic cocktail dress in embroidered tulle by Pierre Balmain Haute Couture numbered 127770 dated from the Spring Summer 1963 Collection with prestigious proven...
Balmain Emerald Green Lace up Plunge Dress
By Pierre Balmain, Balmain
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous emerald green jersey dress from Pierre Balmain. It has a deep V front neckline with lacing detail, dolman sleeves with wide cuffs and a matching tie belt. It drapes beau...
Sold
Size: Equivalent French Size 42
A Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Cocktail Dress Numbered 112776 Circa 1965
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1965/1970 France Elegant Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Cocktail Dress numbered 112776 Circa 1965/1970. Dress in printed silk, sleeveless, skin-tight and hugging the hips, waist...
Sold
Size: Equivalent French Size 36-38
A Pierre Balmain woollen Couture Dress Numbered 182888 - Spring Summer 1963
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Spring Summer 1963 France A Pierre Balmain dress in cream wool jersey from the 1960s. Sleeveless dress with straight cut tightened at the waist with loose effect. At the front, ther...
Pierre Balmain Couture Day Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Balmain Couture, chocolate brown, textured wool, long sleeve, simple lines, day dress, having a semi fitted silhouette, no collar, ballo...
Pierre Balmain New w/ Tags White + Gold Sequined Lace Up Sleeveless Mini Dress
By Pierre Balmain, Balmain
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy new with original store tags PIERRE BALMAIN white and gold sequined lace-up mini dress! Features thousands of muted gold rectangle sequin beads o each side of the front. Sturdy ...
Pierre Balmain Studded Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Geneva, CH
So easy to wear ! This great late 60’s - early 70’s Balmain Boutique dress is cut from refined black crepe and embellished with round gold metal studs around the shoulders and neckli...
Sold
Size: Equivalent french size 36/38
A Pierre Balmain Lurex Knitting Three-pieces Set - France Circa 1980
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1980 France Pierre Balmain three-piece knitwear set in silver and purple lurex. Long-sleeved, tight-fitting top with cuffs. Small turtleneck closing with invisible staples. Long flared skirt with elastic waist, petrol blue stripes, powder pink and purple. Belt and buckle in the same fabric. Tag Les Tricots Pierre Balmain Paris Made in France black graphics on white background. Good condition and color. Dimensions: Skirt: Size 67...