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.
Prada Black Lace-Up Boots Size 39.5
By Prada
Located in Krakow, PL
Step out in style with these Prada black lace-up boots! These boots feature a chic high sole and are made from a combination of high-quality rubber, leather, and textile materials. T...
Chanel Black Lace-Up Boots sz. 37
By Chanel
Located in Krakow, PL
Chanel Black Lace-Up Boots Sz.37 Very Good Condition Description: Chanel lace-up boots crafted from durable textile and rubber, with a leather insole. Minimal signs of use including ...
Chanel Black Lace-Up Textile Rubber Boots Size 38
By Chanel
Located in Krakow, PL
Chanel Textile and Rubber Lace-Up Boots Size: 38 Condition: Excellent Condition details: Minimal signs of use on the sole, insole, heel, and rubber. Details: Fits true to Chanel ...
Balenciaga Black Leather Suede Heeled Boots Sz. 40
By Balenciaga
Located in Krakow, PL
Balenciaga Leather & Suede Heeled Boots Size 40 Description Elegant Balenciaga boots crafted from smooth leather and suede in classic black. Featuring a sculptural heel, almond toe, ...
Chanel Paris-Salzburg Black Textile Chain Boots - Size 39
By Chanel
Located in Krakow, PL
Step out in style with these chic Chanel Paris-Salzburg black textile boots! These boots feature the signature Chanel chain detailing, adding a touch of elegance to any outfit. Size...
Gucci Black Leather Round Toe Stacked Heel Boots Sz.39.5
By Gucci
Located in Krakow, PL
Gucci Black Leather Boots Size: 39.5 Condition: Very good Description: Classic black leather boots from Gucci, featuring a round toe and a stacked heel. Made from high-quality natura...
Salvatore Ferragamo Theodore Combat Boots Leather in Black
By Ferragamo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Salvatore Ferragamo Theodore Combat Boots Leather in Black. Additional information: Material: Leather, Rubber outsoles Color: Black Size: 4.5 US Country: Italy Condition: Brand new ...
Pinko Italian Black leather combat boots size 39 urban elegance!
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Pinko Black leather boots from Pinko are the definition of urban elegance with a twist. Crafted from genuine leather, they impress with their quality, detail, and distinctive chara...
Balmain x Puma Deva Black Biker Style Boots
By Balmain
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Balmain x Puma Deva Black Biker Style Boots are a striking fusion of high fashion and edgy streetwear. Crafted with black leather, these boots feature a bold biker-inspired silhouette accented with metallic hardware and intricate stitching details, embodying Balmain’s signature luxe aesthetic. The chunky sole adds height and a commanding presence, making these boots a statement piece for any wardrobe. They are incredibly versatile and can be styled with a variety of designer items, such as a Balmain embellished blazer, a Saint Laurent leather jacket, or a Givenchy oversized sweater for a chic, rebellious look. Pair them with distressed Diesel jeans...
Chanel Vintage Black Leather CC Combat Boots sz 36
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Vintage Black Leather Lace Up Combat Boots. Features quilted detail and CC detail and CHANEL pull at back of boot Made In: Spain Color: Black Materials: Leather Closure/Opening: Lace up and double sided zippers...
VALENTINO black leather ROCKSTUD BUCKLE Combat Boots Shoes 39.5
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino Rockstud buckled combat boots in black smooth calfskin embellished with gunmetal studs. Open with concealed zip fastening along the inside and are set on a b...
Balenciaga, black leather ankleboots with buckles in size 40
By Lenci
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balenciaga, black leather ankleboots with buckles in size 40. This product has been worn only a few times and is in excellent condition.
