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.
$104Sale Price|35% Off
PIERRE BALMAIN blue distressed washed B logo charm hot shorts 24"
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
PIERRE BALMAIN blue distressed washed B logo charm hot shorts 24" Reference: YIKK/A00188 Brand: Pierre Balmain Material: Cotton, Blend Color: Blue, Silver Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip...
PIERRE BALMAIN blue distressed washed B logo charm hot shorts 24"
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
PIERRE BALMAIN blue distressed washed B logo charm hot shorts 24" Reference: YIKK/A00188 Brand: Pierre Balmain Material: Cotton, Blend Color: Blue, Silver Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip...
$1,646
Size: IT 42 - FR 38 - UK 10 - US 6
Vivienne Westwood "Mini Crini" blue printed button-down shorts, ss 1985
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood blue printed button-down shorts with ruffled elasticated leg and drawstring waist with small pocket on left side "Mini Crin" Spring-Summer 1985
CHANEL black 11P PERFORATED TRIM LEATHER Pants 34 XXS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel pants are crafted in supple black lambskin leather with perforated trim, combining classic luxury with a modern edge. They feature straight legs and a four...
Vivienne Westwood Printed Shorts - '10s
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Milano, Lombardia
These light blue Straight and loose fit cotton shorts by Vivienne Westwood from 2010s. Logo graphic printed throughout, with elasticized waistband and back pocket. Measurements: W...
$399Sale Price|38% Off
Size: Fits US 4-6 / S tag missing
Emilio Pucci Tropical Bamboo Signature Print Silk Top Shorts Suit Ensemble Set S
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
A stunning ensemble by Emilio Pucci Consisting of two pieces, top and shorts Silk shorts with the famous Emilio Pucci Bamboo signature print on finest shiny silk...
Gucci Ivory Nylon Ribbed Knit Shorts With Striped Waistband
By Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Gucci Ivory Nylon Ribbed Knit Shorts with Striped Waistband epitomize luxury casual wear, seamlessly blending comfort with high-end style. Crafted from lightweight nylon, these short...
Moschino Cheap and Chic Shorts With Anchor Embossed Buttons
By Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in London, GB
Moschino Cheap and Chic Shorts With Anchor Embossed Buttons Fuchsia pink shorts designed in a sailor silhouette with tonal, decorative Anchor embossed buttons. Featuring side pocke...
Christian Dior J’Adior Logo Knit Two-Piece Set – Bra Top & High Waist Shorts
By Christian Dior
Located in CACHAN, FR
A striking Christian Dior J’Adior two-piece knit set featuring a logo bra top and matching high-waisted shorts, crafted in Italy in a textured stretch knit with the iconic “Christian...
Pantaloncino Tom Ford
Located in Carnate, IT
Pantaloncino Tom Ford Pantaloncino in seta taglia M Stampa floreale verde e grigia Fascia in vita nera in velluto Lunghezza vita 41cm Lunghezza totale davanti 36cm Lunghezza tota...
Blue Linen Playsuit by Reformation
Located in London, GB
A fun playsuit for the summer weather by Reformation. The suit has a button front opening, with a pocket on either side , spagetti straps. and is lined. Made in Italy. Size 0 , Meas...
Dries Van Noten Satin Floral Print High-Waisted Shorts
By Dries van Noten
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Dries Van Noten Satin Floral Print High-Waisted Shorts are a stunning example of contemporary luxury fashion infused with artistic flair. Crafted from smooth, marigold satin, these s...
CHANEL & Karl Lagerfeld 15p 2015 quilted shorts
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
CHANEL & Karl Lagerfeld 15p 2015 quilted shorts Collection: Spring-Summer 2015 Ready-to-wear Chanel style: 15p / az926 / P58355V44378 made in Italy Karl Lagerfeld's inspiration for ...
Fiorucci Angels Patch High Rise Denim Shorts
By fiorucci
Located in London, GB
Fiorucci Angels Patch High Rise Denim Shorts Light blue vintage wash shorts featuring the Fiorucci Angels patch on the back pocket. Detailed with fray...