A Pierre Balmain Lurex Knitting Three-pieces Set - France Circa 1980
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: Equivalent french size 36/38 (EU)
- Style:Pierre Balmain (In the Style Of)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent condition and color.
- Seller Location:Toulon, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU63333560211
Pierre Balmain
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Toulon, France
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- French Couture Art Deco Flapper Dress Net and Voile Embroidered Circa 1920/1925Located in Toulon, FRCirca 1920/1925 France Evening dress in powder pink muslin and embroidered tulle from the Art Deco period around 1920/1925. Low-waisted straight dress ...Category
1920s French Day Dresses
- A Louis Féraud Couture Embroidered Chiffon Dress & Ostrich feathers - Fall 1981By Louis FeraudLocated in Toulon, FRFall Winter 1981-1982 Collection France Amazing evening dress in embroidered silk chiffon by Louis Féraud Haute Couture from the 1981-1982 collection. Loose blousante dress with pu...Category
1980s French Aesthetic Day Dresses
- A silk pongee & White Embroidery Chiffon Summer Dress - France Circa 1920Located in Toulon, FRCirca 1918 - 1922 France Beautiful seaside resort dress for the seaside or the spa in Vichy ! Superb work of broderies anglaise on chiffon silk or ecru s...Category
1920s French Summer Dresses
- Leopard printed silk Evening Dress by Jacques Fath Haute Couture Circa 1955-1960By Jacques FathLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 1955-1960 France Beautiful Grand soir dress in black and white leopard print satin by Jacques Fath Haute Couture. The whalebone bustier with a large plunging neckline is held b...Category
1950s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- A Ted Lapidus by Olivier Lapidus Couture Dress, French Circa 1990By Ted Lapidus Haute CoutureLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 1985/1990 France Ted Lapidus dress in thick printed silk satin. Artistic graphic of black lines on a white background, imitating thin and large brush strokes. Closes with fiv...Category
1980s French Casual Dresses
- A Jacques Fath Couture Printed Silk Gown Number 00057 with provenance Circa 2000By Jacques FathLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 2000 France Nice Fresh evening dress in silk organza printed with black polka dots from the designer house Jacques Fath, from the wardrobe of Princess Diane of France Circa 2000. Overlay effect of the finely pleated organza of the skirt on a matching underskirt. Bustier dress with large neckline covered with an over-dress with puffed sleeves and black satin musketeer cuffs matching the lapel collar. Button fastening at the back and zipper. Black stone and rhinestone cufflinks...Category
Early 2000s French Day Dresses
- Dolce & Gabbana Multi Silk Tie Dye Print Dress with Pockets - 44By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThis unique Dolce & Gabbana dress is a tie dye print silk material. It is sleeveless with tapered stitches, 2 side pockets, and a thin gold leather belt. Size 44, circa 21st cent...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Day Dresses
- 1970s Alfred Shaheen Light Blue Organza DressBy Alfred ShaheenLocated in San Francisco, CA1970s Alfred Shaheen printed organza dress featuring an abstract, floral, and geographic motif in shades of sea foam blue, turquoise, olive and white. The sheer unsigned sleeves are ...Category
1970s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Sexy Little Purple and Pink Animal Sequin Pattern Cocktail Dress Size MedLocated in Palm Springs, CANo label on this Fashionista owned dress. Never worn. It's a statement little dress for party, dinner or cocktails. Short cap sleeve, It's the back that sizzles. A deep u back. Sligh...Category
2010s American Cocktail Dresses
- Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere Heather Grey Size 40 / 10 Sweatshirt Mini DressBy Nicolas Ghesquière, BalenciagaLocated in San Diego, CAAvant Garde BALENCIAGA by NICOLAS GHESQUIERE mid 2000s heather gray slouchy sweatshirt mini dress ! Simply slips over the head, and stretches to fit. V-neck bodice. Soft cotton blend...Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Diane Freis 1980s Novelty Heart Paisley Psychedelic Print Vintage 80s DressBy Diane FreisLocated in San Diego, CAAmazing 1980s DIANE FREIS novelty heart paisley psychedelic print dress ! Black tassel ties at center don’t neck. Simply slips over the head and st...Category
1980s Cocktail Dresses
- Louis Vuitton Silver Metallic Detail Floral Red Metallic Keyholes Dress SBy Louis VuittonLocated in Miami, FLLouis Vuitton stretch dress in black and grey with abstract floral print accented with silver metallic throughout. 2 Round keyholes in front trimmed in red metallic. Form fitting and...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sheath Dresses