A Pierre Balmain Couture Turquoise Silk Chiffon Cocktail Gown Circa 1958
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: Equivalent size France 35-36 (EU)
- Style:1958 (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Very Good Condition and Color.
- Seller Location:Toulon, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU633316891492
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.
- A French Pierre Balmain Printed Silk Dress, Circa 1980By Pierre Balmain CoutureLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 1980 France Pierre Balmain summer dress in blue silk with polka dots in shades of yellow, pink white and black. Round neck, short kimono sleeves, tightened dress at the waist,...Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
- A Zandra Rhodes Evening Dress in Printed Organza - Fortuny Influence- Circa 1980By Zandra RhodesLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 1980 England Iconic long evening dress from the famous English designer Zandra Rhodès and dating from the 1980s. Translucent silk organza print...Category
1980s French Aesthetic Day Dresses
- A Pop Art Printed Chiffon Ceremony Dress - France Circa 1975Located in Toulon, FRCirca 1970-1975 France Magistral long dress in printed silk crepe, without claw and dating from the 1970s. Chasuble cut dress with psychedelic print typical of Pop Art of this peri...Category
1970s French Maxi Dresses
- An Art Deco embroidered silk crepe Couture French Dress Circa 1925Located in Toulon, FRFrance Haute Couture Japanese-style Circa 1925 Silk crepe dress elegantly tied on the hips and dating from the Art Deco Period. Sleeveless dress in taf...Category
1920s French Aesthetic Day Dresses
- Hubert de Givenchy Cocktail Dress in Gazar Silk and Lace Circa 1968/1970By Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique, GivenchyLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 1970 France Beautiful cocktail dress by Hubert de Givenchy, Nouvelle Boutique that the designer opened at 68 Rue Victor Hugo in Paris in 1968. In the spirit of Baby Doll, thi...Category
1960s French Cocktail Dresses
- A Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Cocktail Dress Numbered 112776 Circa 1965By Pierre BalmainLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 1965/1970 France Elegant Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Cocktail Dress numbered 112776 Circa 1965/1970. Dress in printed silk, sleeveless, skin-tight and hugging the hips, waist...Category
1960s French Cocktail Dresses
- Versace S/S 08 turquoise strapless tassel fringe corset bustier midi maxi dressBy VersaceLocated in Paris, FRLOVE LALI Vintage Versace Spring Summer 2008 strapless dress in turquoise Ruched bust Inner boned corset with underwired cups Long ties at the bust with long leather tassels, these ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Maxi Dresses
- Roberto Cavalli Poseidon God Mosaic Couture Blue Just Vintage 90s Mini DressBy Roberto CavalliLocated in PARIS, FRPoseidon dress by Roberto Cavalli! Pattern: Poseidon on the throne Mosaic Shell Angel head Flowers EXCELLENT condition! No label, but *Just Cavalli* is indicated on the dress. Plea...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses
- 1960s Teal Blue Floral Three Quarter Sleeve DressLocated in London, GBSuperb example of an early 1960s day dress but could just as easily be worn in more formal settings or as a cocktail dress. Cut in a beautifully iridescent teal blue silk feel fabric...Category
1960s British Cocktail Dresses
- Karl Lagerfeld 1980s Size 44 / US 10 Navy Blue Silk Chiffon Vintage 80s DressBy Karl LagerfeldLocated in San Diego, CABeautiful late 80s KARL LAGERFELD navy + ivory silk chiffon sleeveless dress. Features a navy body with semi sheer ivory above the bust. Hidden zipper up the back with hook-and-eye c...Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
- 1980s Yves Saint Laurent Blue Black Floral Print Vintage 80s Silk Dress Size 42By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in San Diego, CAAmazing 1980s YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Rive Gauche blue and black floral / rose print short sleeve silk dress ! Pockets at each side of the waist. Features a vibrant blue flowers and r...Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
- 1960s Blue Silk Chiffon Pleated Dress With Banded Hemline and BowLocated in Portland, ORWe love unique vintage 1960's dresses and this is such a fabulous blue silk chiffon evening or day dress with a banded hemline in a loosely draped pleated style. The dress has a bow ...Category
1960s Unknown Evening Dresses