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Pierre Balmain Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

French, 1914-1982

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.

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Designer: Pierre Balmain
1949 Documented Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Grey Bar Jacket Suit
By Pierre Balmain Haute Couture, Pierre Balmain
Located in London, GB
Fine and rare Pierre Balmain haute couture grey bar jacket and skirt suit attributed to the autumn / winter 1949 collection. The jacket is tailored in a beautiful pinstripe wool wit...
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1940s French Pierre Balmain Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

A Pierre Balmain Ceremonial Satin Evening Dress Bolero and Purse Circa 1950
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1950 France Pierre Balmain Paris evening or ceremony dress with matching bolero and purse from the 1950s. Ivory Duchess satin embroidered with wh...
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1950s French Pierre Balmain Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

Vintage 1971 Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Beaded Blue Velvet Jumpsuit and Jacket
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Exquisite Pierre Balmain Haute-Couture dark blue silk-velvet jumpsuit ensemble dating back to his opulent 1971 collection. This iconic designer created a very sculptural quality whic...
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1970s French Pierre Balmain Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

Exceptional Vintage Pierre Balmain Black Strapless Jumpsuit w/ Regal Embroidery
By Pierre Balmain
Located in San Diego, CA
Exceptional, and super rare vintage PIERRE BALMAIN black strapless jumpsuit! Wonderful wide leg palazzos, that are so flattering, and uber chic! Regal hand embroidery at bodice, ador...
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1990s French Pierre Balmain Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

Pierre Balmain Black & Navy wrap-tie pant ensemble
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Balmain black & navy pant ensemble comes with a wrap-style jacket. The jacket comes with a self tie belt measuring 62 1/2" by 2" and also a single black button off center. ...
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1980s Pierre Balmain Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

Pierre Balmain black & Purple ensemble
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Balmain suit ensemble is fully lined with silk. The jacket is safari style with four (4) patch pockets. The full length of the jacket measures 26 1/2", underarm circumfer...
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1980s Pierre Balmain Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

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1940s Wine Gaberdine Suit
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3pc Jaeger Burgundy Velvet Jacket w/ Printed Wool Blouse Top With & Skirt Suit
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Dolce & Gabbana D&G Unisex Red White Blue Denim Jean Jacket and Jeans
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Previously Available Items
Pierre Balmain 1960s Haute Couture Ivory Silk Gazar Bridal Dress
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This magnificent Pierre Balmain circa 1968 haute couture silk gazar bridal dress suit in ivory is of superb quality and in impeccable vintage condition. Extolled for the sculptural q...
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Balmain Long Tunic and Pant Ensemble
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PIERRE BALMAIN 40 Regular 2-Button Navy Wool 34 32 Suit
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Late 20th Century Italian Pierre Balmain Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

1980s Haute Couture Pierre Balmain Linen "Wasp" Suit with PVC
By Pierre Balmain
Located in London, GB
Amazing, quirky little 1980s skirt suit by Pierre Balmain - haute couture label. This set consists of a gorgeous and beautifully made black linen jacket with matching double layer b...
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1950's Pierre Balmain Haute-Couture Purple Satin Party Dress & Sable-Fur Coat
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Pierre Balmain worked under Robert Pigiuet, Molyneux, and Lucian Lelong, where he worked closely with Christian Dior. In 1945 is finally opened his own couture house. Balmain created a very sculptural quality which was always allied with a ladylike essence. His garments have a body and a shape of their own. This late 1950's breathtaking royal-purple cocktail dress and matching evening coat ensemble is a wonderful example of his genius. The silk-satin is so luxurious and the construction is couture-level as one would expect from Pierre Balmain. I adore the ruched shelf-bust bow corset...
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Located in Beverly Hills, CA
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1960's Pierre Balmain Metallic Blue Silk-Brocade Cocktail Suit
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Pierre Balmain Late 40s Summer Suit - Fantastic Tailoring!
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Gresham, OR
This is a wonderful Pierre Balmain summer weight skirt suit in a great almond color neutral tone! It is from the late 40s and has very similar design elements in the jacket as Dior's "New Look," with inverted pleating and unusual front placket! The skirts back is gorgeous with 6 tiered box...
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1940s French Pierre Balmain Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

Pierre Balmain suits, outfits and ensembles for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Pierre Balmain suits, outfits and ensembles available on 1stDibs. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Saint Laurent , Herve Léger, and Balmain appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Pierre Balmain suits, outfits and ensembles from top boutiques around the world. Pierre Balmain suits, outfits and ensembles prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $785 and tops out at $3,800, while the average work can sell for $1,976.
Questions About Pierre Balmain Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024
    Pierre Balmain was the founder of Balmain, an iconic haute couture house based in Paris, France. In the postwar years, Balmain became known for bell-shaped skirts falling from slender waists, structured jackets over sheath day dresses and embellishments like fur trim. Pierre died in 1982, and the company is now owned by Mayhoola for Investments.

    From the dresses 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. Shop a collection of vintage Balmain from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Pierre Balmain was a French fashion designer most known for founding his fashion house Balmain. Balmain’s designs are described as sophisticated and elegant, and remain one of the most sought after garments in high-fashion. Find vintage and contemporary Balmain designs from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, Pierre Balmain is not considered a luxury brand. Pierre Balmain is a diffusion line for Balmain, which is a luxury brand. Pierre Balmain features more simplistic designs than the Balmain as well as offers a more approachable price point. Shop a collection of Pierre Balmain and Balmain garments on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 28, 2024
    Pierre Balmain jeans tend to run true to size. The brand provides a size chart/“fit predictor” on its official website. It is recommended that you make use of the size chart before you make your purchase on the site. Balmain was founded in 1945 by Pierre and is now known by the French designer’s surname. On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Pierre Balmain clothing.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To tell if a Pierre Balmain vintage bag is authentic, first check the hardware. Balmain often stamped the brand name onto zipper pulls and fasteners. The lettering should appear crisp and evenly spaced. Balmain's tags changed greatly over time. Compare the ones in your bag to images of authenticated pieces available online. Shop a range of expertly vetted Pierre Balmain bags on 1stDibs.
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    There are a few ways to tell if your vintage Pierre Balmain is real. Authentic Pierre Balmain bags are made with brand tags, authenticity labels and serial numbers. Always purchase Balmain jackets from a reputable seller to ensure authenticity. Shop a collection of authentic Pierre Balmain from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

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