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 Scarf Vineyard Print in Green and Brown
By Pierre Balmain Paris, Pierre Balmain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite silk scarf from Pierre Balmain Paris is artistically crafted to resemble a beautiful painting. This lovely piece features a tangle of grape leaves and bunches of grape...
A 1980s Pierre Balmain White and Brown Floral Silk Foulard
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A lovely floral silk foulard designed by Pierre Balmain in perfect conditions. The Pierre Balmain Silk Foulard is a luxurious and exquisite accessory that embodies the elegance and ...
Vintage Pierre Balmain Silk Foulard Scarf Red Blue Gold Circa 1970s
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A red, blue and gold silk square foulard by Pierre Balmain in perfect conditions
Pierre Balmain Signature Multicolor Silk Chiffon & Metallic Gold Scarf
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Balmain signature multi-color silk chiffon accented with metallic gold scarf has hand-rolled edge finishing. The scarf measures 34" x 70".
Pierre Balmain Men's Signature Combination of Silk and Merino Scarf
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Balmain wonderfully elegant men's signature combination of deep navy silk print with the other side a black wool merino fringe, measures 56 inches by 12 inches. Made in F...
Pierre Balmain Extra Large Silk Crepe Di Chine Multiple Paisley Wrap Scarf
By Pierre Balmain Paris, Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Balmain wonderfully magnificent extra-huge silk crepe di chine multi-palsey with red-on-red border measures 52 inches by 54 inches. The scarf is detailed with hand-roll...
Pierre Balmain Multicolor chiffon & metallic gold scarf
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Balmain signature bold multi-color silk chiffon accented with metallic gold accents has fringe and hand-roll detailing. The scarf measures 34" x 70".
HERMES silk PANI LA SHAR PAWNEE Twilly Scarf Scarf Rose Canard Blanc
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Pani La Shar Pawnee Twilly scarf in rose, canard, white and petrol silk (100%). Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Comes with box. Measurements Widt...
Hermes Geometrie Cretoise by Julia Abadie Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf « Géométrie crétoise » by Julia Abadie featuring a burgundy border and a Hermès signature. Circa 2012 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X 35,4in. (90cm) We guarantee you will receive this iconic item as described and showed on photos. (please enlarge images to see all details on photos- All Hermes scarves...
Yves Saint Laurent Faux Tweed Leather Fold
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Faux Tweed Leather Fold designed as a check book fold. Slightly larger in scale than a normal wallet. Burgundy leather with faux tweed gr...
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
2000s Christian Dior by John Galliano Knit Brown Sable Mink Fur Scarf
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous brown knit mink Christian Dior scarf designed by John Galliano. From the early 2000s, this luxurious scarf is the perfect addition t...
Hermes Duo Cosmique Scarf 90 Noir Vert Silk Twill
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Duo Cosmique silk twill scarf. Featured in Noir, Vert andMulticolore colorway. The scarf pays tribute to Tantric Buddhism and ...
S/S 2001 Gucci by Tom Ford Lava Print Pink Silk Square Scarf
By Tom Ford, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a rare pink lava print Gucci scarf designed by Tom Ford. The lava design debuted on the men's Spring/Summer 2001 runway and was used heavily in womenswear. This print was quite popular, and Kim Cattrall...
Yves Saint Laurent Attributed Printed Silk Chiffon & Feathers Scarf Stole
Located in Geneva, CH
Most probably by Yves Saint Laurent (similar designs are to be found in different YSL collections, like the iconic SS1977 "Les Espagnoles et les Romantiques" / see picture 2), this ravishing vintage silk chiffon scarf...
Chanel Tan/ Brown Rabbit Fur Stole w/ Leather Quilted Stitching at Trim
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Tan Rabbit Fur Stole w/ Leather Quilted Stitching at Trim Color: Tan and brown Materials: 100% Rabbit Fur; Lining- 50% Wool; 50% Cotton Overall Condition: Excellent with the e...
1980s Gucci Red Paisley Printed Fringe Shawl
By Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Amazing 1980s Gucci red paisley print shawl! Solid red background printed all over with an ornate persian rug inspired pattern! Super soft with lightly fra...
Early 1990s Atelier Versace by Gianni Floral Medallion Silk Square Scarf
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful baroque Atelier Versace square silk scarf designed by Gianni Versace. This scarf features pastel-colored Greek/Roman coins, ancient carved scenes, and multicol...
Gucci Silk Scarf Mallard Duck Lake Scene New, Never worn 1990s
By Gucci
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning Browns and greens in this New, never worn Gucci scarf from the 1990s. Duck and Lake scene. 100% Silk. Still folded up the way they came from the store. Please be sure to ch...
Pucci "Fuilio" Multicolor Shawl
By Emilio Pucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Pucci "Fuilio" Cotton Shawl features an abstract floral and swirl pattern with the "Fuilio" signature script, in 100% Cotton with hand rolled edges.
Pierre Balmain Paris Francois 1er Neckerchief Scarf Gold and Blue
By Balmain Paris, Pierre Balmain
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Pierre Balmain Paris, Francois 1er design neckerchief scarf. Beautiful Balmain Paris France gold and blue motif, very elegant. France. Polyester. Dimensions: 12 inches x 39.5 inches.
Pierre Balmain Silk Scarf Modernist Sketches in Black and White, c1950s
By Pierre Balmain Paris, Pierre Balmain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite silk scarf from Pierre Balmain Paris is artistically crafted to resemble beautiful sketches. This lovely piece features modernist scenes with characters in a watercolo...
Pierre Balmain Black and White Silk Scarf
By Pierre Balmain
Located in London, GB
A super chic silk scarf by Pierre Balmain , in a striking black and white print. The scarf is made in Italy and measures: Length 50'' x height 11''
Vintage Pierre Balmain Paris Brown Silk Scarf
By Pierre Balmain, Balmain Paris
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Pierre Balmain brown silk scarf. Carre silk foulard accessories by Pierre Balmain Couture Paris. Designed by French designer Pierre Balm...
Pierre Balmain Paris Silk Jacquard Scarf Bold Green & Navy Blue Design 1970s
By Pierre Balmain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pierre Balmain, Paris silk jacquard scarf with a bold green and navy blue design of circles and diamonds from the 1970s. Large and beautiful scarf in excellent condition. Hand rolled...
Pierre Balmain Silk Scarf Oversized Black and Red Rose Print
By Pierre Balmain Paris, Pierre Balmain
Located in Atlanta, GA
Stylish silk scarf by Pierre Balmain Paris. With a 1970s typical print, this vintage silk scarf features an oversized rose flower in an assorted combination of red and black on an iv...
1950s Pierre Balmain Floral and Brushstroke Silk Twill Scarf 30x29.5
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Port Hope, ON
In excellent condition for a scarf this age, this scarf has a nice brown background with orange, yellow, black and salmon pink splashes. When you tire of wearing it, frame it!
Pierre Balmain Wool & Cashmere "Shades of Grays" Fringed Scarf
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Balmain wonderful combination of merino wool and cashmere in "shades of grays" fringed scarf measures 28" x 69" and accented with 3" fringes. Made in France.