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 Cream & Black Logo Monogram Sleeveless Cropped Top
By Balmain
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Balmain Cream & Black Logo Monogram Sleeveless Cropped Top is a striking piece that embodies the brand’s luxurious and edgy aesthetic. The top features a sleek cream base adorned...
Balmain Jacquard Knit Monogram Cropped Knit Tank Top
By Balmain
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Balmain Jacquard Knit Monogram Cropped Knit Tank Top is a striking and stylish piece that seamlessly combines luxury with casual chic. Crafted from a stretchable jacquard knit fabric...
Balmain Paris Navy Blue Logo T-Shirt With Shoulder Medallions
By Balmain
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Balmain Paris Navy Blue Logo T-Shirt With Shoulder Medallions is a striking yet casual piece that embodies the brand's signature luxe aesthetic. Crafted from high-quality navy bl...
Louis Vuitton White Cotton T-shirt With Gold-Tone Monogram Charms & Strap
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your casual wardrobe with the luxurious Louis Vuitton White Cotton T-shirt featuring striking gold-tone monogram charms. This classic white tee is far from ordinary, adorned with the iconic LV charms meticulously arranged around the collar, providing a touch of opulence to your everyday style. The standout feature of this shirt is the gold-tone buckle, complemented by a chic white strap on the left side, allowing you to cinch the tee for a unique silhouette or leave it loose for a more relaxed look. Pair this versatile piece with tailored high-waisted trousers for a polished ensemble, or style it with distressed denim shorts and over-the-knee boots for an effortlessly chic street style. Complete the look with a designer handbag, such as the LV Speedy...
Balenciaga White Graffiti Logo Print Ville Leather XXS Mini Top Handle Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Balenciaga White Graffiti Logo Print Ville Leather XXS Mini Top Handle Bag is a striking and contemporary accessory that effortlessly combines edgy street style with high-fashion...
Balmain Cropped Black Tweed Bustier Crop Top
By Balmain
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Balmain Cropped Black Tweed Bustier Crop Top epitomizes timeless elegance with a modern twist. Crafted from black tweed interwoven with shimmering metallic rainbow fibers, this t...
BALMAIN signature logo print cuffed sleeves white cotton tshirt XXS
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN signature logo print cuffed sleeves white cotton tshirt XXS Reference: AAWC/A00769 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Cotton Color: White, Black Pattern: So...
BALMAIN Size L White Logo Cotton T-shirt
By Balmain
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALMAIN t-shirt comes in a white cotton featuring a front logo design and a crew-neck. Made in Italy. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: L Measurements: Shoulder: 18 in...
BALMAIN black signature logo velvet print cuffed sleeve white tshirt FR34 XS
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN black signature logo velvet print cuffed sleeve white tshirt FR34 XS Reference: AAWC/A00767 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Cotton Color: White, Black Pa...
BALMAIN white cotton black logo felt print cap roll sleeve tshirt XS
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN white cotton black logo felt print cap roll sleeve tshirt XS Reference: LNKO/A02544 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Cotton Color: White, Black Pattern: S...
BALMAIN white metallic gold foil logo print button shoulder tshirt FR38 M
By Balmain
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALMAIN white metallic gold foil logo print button shoulder tshirt FR38 M Reference: GEGG/A00040 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Cotton Color: White, Gold Patter...
Balmain Logo Cotton T-Shirt
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
Balmain Logo Cotton T-Shirt Classic white t-shirt crafted from cotton with 'Balmain Paris' logo signature to the front in silver. Featuring ribbed crew neckline, short sleeves and ...
