1960s Pierre Balmain Silk Black Dress with Latticework Waistband
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Length: 38 in (96.52 cm)Bust: 40 in (101.6 cm)Waist: 34 in (86.36 cm)Hip: 43 in (109.22 cm)
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU55022480552
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: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- 1980s Casadei Blue Sequined Maxi DressBy CasadeiLocated in London, GB1980s blue sequinned maxi gown by Casadei, a heritage Italian shoe brand that also briefly forayed into luxury fashion during the 80s and 90s. These colle...Category
1980s American Evening Gowns
- Andrea Wilkin 1970s Silk Ivory Fantasy Bridal Dress in Edwardian StyleBy Andrea WilkinLocated in London, GBThis exquisite Andrea Wilkin 1970s fantasy bridal gown in soft ivory exudes femininity and is in wonderful condition. Layers of silk fabric are beautifully arranged to create the cla...Category
1970s British Wedding Dresses
- 1990s Thierry Mugler Indigo and Black Velvet DressBy Thierry Mugler CoutureLocated in London, GBThis incredible 1990s Mugler dress creates the most flattering and feminine silhouette for the wearer. Made from thick black velvet with indigo blue, almost purple fabric panelling, ...Category
1990s French Sheath Dresses
- 1950s Heiress Boutique Dusky Pink Beaded DressLocated in London, GBThis lovely Heiress 1950s fine crepe occasion dress in dusky pink is pretty, gamine and features some gorgeous design details. The classic hourglass silhoue...Category
1950s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1960s Geoffrey Beene Yellow Linen Mod DressBy Geoffrey Beene BoutiqueLocated in London, GBThis vibrant 1960s yellow lined Mod-style mini dress is by popular US designer Geoffrey Beene celebrated for his craftsmanship, attention to detail and relaxed wearable designs. This...Category
1960s American Mini Dress
- 1900s Antique White Battenburg Tape Lace Bridal Dress JacketLocated in London, GBThis exquisite 1900 - 1910s white battenburg or princess tape lace dress jacket is of exceptional quality and craftsmanship and is increasingly scare i...Category
Early 1900s British Vintage Bridal Gowns
- MORPHEW COLLECTION Lilac Silver Antique Silk Lamé Gown With 1930S CrystalsBy MorphewLocated in New York, NYMORPHEW COLLECTION Lilac Silver Antique Silk Lamé Gown With 1930S Crystals MORPHEW COLLECTION is made entirely by hand in our NYC Ateliér of rare antique materials sourced from arou...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Gowns
- Chanel Haute Couture ivory lace wedding dress, c. 1960sBy ChanelLocated in London, GBChanel Haute Couture ivory lace wedding dress with corseted bodice, cap sleeves, trained skirt and silk lining. c. 1960sCategory
1960s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Christian Lacroix Black Dress in Satin and LaceBy Christian LacroixLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRChristian Lacroix -(Made in France) Black dress in satin and lace. Size 48FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Chest: 50 cm, Waist: 49 cm, Length: 140 cm Condition: Good conditio...Category
1990s French Maxi Dress
- A French Gold Printed and painted Satin Dress Circa 1940-1950Located in Toulon, FRCirca 1940-1950 Europe Amazing little summer dress with flowers on a gold background dating very propably from the Second World War. Clever print on silk satin cream with surreal patterns popular in the 1940s thanks to Elsa Schiaparelli ... Fish, horse heads, parrots appear in a flowery decor and abundant acid colors. Short sleeves and Claudine collar applied with a golden cord and knotted. Integrated belt with two flaps hanging out on the front to refine the silhouette. Beautiful bobbin lace...Category
1940s French Cocktail Dresses
- Dolce & Gabbana Cocktail dress size 42By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Gazzaniga (BG), ITSilk (66%) nylon (26%) and elasthane Taffetà Blue and prune color Folds Maximum length cm 102 (401 inches)Category
2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Runway Yves Saint Laurent S/S 1989 Lipstick Red Rayon Jersey Strapless 80s DressBy Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in San Diego, CASensational vintage YSL Rive Gauche spring / summer 1989 runway lipstick red rayon jersey strapless 1980s dress ! The same dress was featured on the runway in black. Sash at side wai...Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses