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.
BALMAIN black 2017 CROCODILE TAIL Clutch Bag
By Balmain
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balmain clutch in black matte crocodile tail, masterfully crafted in a bold, architectural silhouette that showcases the dramatic scale and texture of the exotic skin....
Balmain Medium Anthem Leather Shoulder Bag Burgundy - '20s
By Balmain
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Presented on the runway during the Spring/Summer 2025 show, the Balmain Anthem is a striking shoulder bag crafted from supple burgundy calfskin leather, embodying the House’s contemp...
Pierre Balmain clutch bag
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Width : 25 cm - Height : 21 cm - Depth : 4 cm SKU:S1351
$1,212Sale Price|25% Off
Balmain Contemporary Black Leather Shopper Bag with White Logo, Unisex
By Balmain
Located in Capri, IT
Balmain black leather shopper bag white leather logo suede lining 50*26*13 cm
BALMAIN Mirrors Beige Clutch
By Balmain
Located in Paris, FR
Superb clutch from Balmain in beige leather with mirrors Condition: very good Made in France Collection: evening clutches Materials: lamb leather, mirrors Interior: lining in natura...
Balmain x Barbie Pink x Yellow Leather Mini Chain Crossbody Flap Bag S128BM38
By Balmain
Located in Dix hills, NY
Balmain x Barbie Pink x Yellow Leather Mini Chain Crossbody Flap Bag S128BM38 Date Code/Serial Number: 18 11 21 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 4" W...
Balmain Evening Clutch in Lame Gold Fabric and Embroideries
By Balmain
Located in Paris, FR
Stunning Balmain evening clutch. It is entirely handmade in Paris. Work of haute couture. Fabric in lamé gold, embroidered of multi red, gold and black ribbons and squares of mirror ...
Balmain Barbie Translucent Pink Disco Round Crossbody Bag 1BM318
By Balmain
Located in Dix hills, NY
Balmain Barbie Translucent Pink Disco Round Crossbody Bag 1BM318 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 7.75" Width: 2" Height: 7.75" Shoulder Handle...
1990s Raquel Sitwell Black Suede Leather Tortoise Shell Vintage 90s Shoulder Bag
By Raquel Sitwell
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic and classic RAQUEL SITWELL black suede and faux tortoise shell structured shoulder bag! Medium to Large size fits all the necessities. Long shoulder strap is the perfect length ...
1970s Tiger Eye Stone Swarovski Crystal Embellished Handbag
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the stunning 1970s Tiger Eye Stone Swarovski Crystal Embellished Handbag, a true artisanal masterpiece that exudes luxury and glamour. Crafted ...
Louis Vuitton Anthracite gold studs shoulder handle bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Capri, IT
Louis Vuitton Anthracite gold studs shoulder handle bag
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2001 Collection Shoulder Bag Clutch
By Tom Ford
Located in Montgomery, TX
Iconic Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Shoulder Bag Clutch F/W 2001 Collection Black Leather Braided Handle, Embroidered Pattern, Grommet Embellishment, Dual Buckle Closure, One Fro...
Louis Vuitton Pink Cheetah Wild at Heart Neverfull Pochette MM or GM Wristlet 18
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: RFID Chip Made In: France Measurements: Length: 9.75" Width: .2" Height: 6" OVERALL NEW CONDITION ( 10/10 or N ) Accessories: Dust Bag Signs of Wear: E...
2000s Burberry Navy Blue Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
Burberry shoulder bag made of blue navy textured leather with gold toned hardware. The interior is lined with black fabric and navy blue leather, and next to the major compartment it...
Gucci Marmont Super Mini Flap Leather Bag Red Leather
By Gucci
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Gucci Marmont Super Mini Flap Leather Bag Red Leather These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. The Gucci Marmont Bag is a timeless and adaptable accessory ...
Portacellulare Fendi Nylon FF Giallo
By Fendi
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Portacellulare firmato Fendi, realizzato in nylon nella colorazione gialla con hardware argentati. Dotato di una chiusura superiore a zip, internamente rivestito in tessuto nero, cap...
Hermès Beige x Brown Toile Marwari Hobo Shoulder Bag 861966
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
EXCELLENT VINTAGE CONDITION (8/10 or AB) (Outside) Minor rubbing Width (inch) : 11.4 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 29 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 10.2 inch(approx) Hei...
Christian Dior Black Supple Cannage Calfskin Caro Large Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Dior Caro bag combines modernity with timeless elegance. The silhouette is crafted in black calfskin with Cannage stitching. The supple bag features a flap adorned with an antique gold-finish metal CD twist clasp, inspired by the seal of a Christian Dior perfume bottle...
Gucci Tom Ford Era 2004 Limited Edition AD Era Bag Bamboo Chain Metallic
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Melbourne, VIC
prémode presents Gucci Tom Ford Era 2004 Bag. This limited edition bag was designed by Tom Ford for his final collection as the Creative Director for Gucci. Featuring absolutely gorgeous metallic leather and intricate bamboo motif chain, this rare piece would an incredibly special addition to your vintage bag collection...
Fendi c.1980s Vtg Brown Polished Leather Ball & Loop Lock Shoulder Crossbody Bag
By Fendi
Located in Thiensville, WI
A very rare Fendi circa late 1970's early 1980's vintage shoulder crossbody bag. Front flap is secured closed by a drawstring style patent leather cord that loops around a solid ball...
Pierre balmain handbag circa 1970-1980
By Balmain Paris, Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
BALMAIN - A Collection circa 1970-1980. Burgundy-red monogram canvas handbag / briefcase. Made in France. Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Length: 37 cm - Height: 27 cm - De...
BALMAIN One Size Black Gold Chain Link Pebble Grain Leather Handbag
By Balmain
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALMAIN wallet handbag in a black pebble grain leather featuring gold tone metal logo, gold tone metal chain link strap, and snap closure. Made in Italy.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition...
Balmain Black Leather B Buzz 23 Pochette Convertible Shoulder Bag
By Balmain
Located in Rome, Rome
Bold yet refined, the Balmain B-Buzz 23 Pochette in black leather is a statement piece that captures the house's signature blend of structure and elegance. With its elongated silhoue...
Balmain B-Buzz 23 Top Handle Bag w/ Crossbody Strap
By Balmain
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Indulge in luxury with the Balmain B-Buzz 23 Top Handle Bag. Crafted from a combination of textile and leather, this statement bag exudes elegance and sophistication. The removable c...
Balmain Disco Logo Quilted Leather Round Crossbody
By Balmain
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your style with the Balmain Disco Logo Quilted Leather Round Crossbody. Crafted in Italy from diamond quilted leather, this statement piece features a bold round shape and a ...
Balmain Black Leather B Buzz 22 Satchel Handbag with Strap
By Balmain
Located in Rome, Rome
This beautiful Bag will come with a certificate of authenticity provided by third party authenticators. The certificate will be provided at no further cost. Balmain B-Buzz 22 Top Han...
BALMAIN B-Buzz 23 hot pink calfskin gold B logo quilted satchel shoulder bag
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN B-Buzz 23 hot pink calfskin gold B logo quilted satchel shoulder bag Reference: TGAS/E00002 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Model: B-Buzz Collection: 2023 Material...
BALMAIN Mirrors Black Clutch
By Balmain
Located in Paris, FR
Superb black clutch from Balmain in black aged leather with mirrors Condition: very good Made in France Collection: evening clutches Materials: aged lamb leather Interior: lining in...
BALMAIN BBox black calfskin leather gold turnlock tassel crossbody clutch bag
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN BBox black calfskin leather gold turnlock tassel crossbody clutch bag Reference: TGAS/D00838 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Model: BBox Collection: Runway Materia...
1970s Balmain Paris White Cream and Gold Leather Shoulder Bag
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
Balmain Paris Handbag White cream Leather, brass metal ware, strong magnetic clasp closure, inside zipped pocket, suede interior This timeless and sophisticated design is crafted fro...
BALMAIN genuine fur black fringe gold metal frame half half moon crossbody bag
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN genuine fur black fringe logo gold metal frame half half moon crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/C01931 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Fur, Leather Color: Bl...
Sold
H 7.09 in W 7.29 in D 1.97 in
new BALMAIN 44-18 brown scaled leather gold studded flap satchel crossbody bag
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new BALMAIN 44-18 brown scaled leather gold studded flap satchel crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/A05581 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Model: 44-18 Material: Leather ...