Pierre Balmain silk evening dress with stylised flower motifs, circa 1970
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Length: 41 in (104.14 cm)Marked Size: S/M (EU)Bust: 38 in (96.52 cm)Hip: 38 in (96.52 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Beautiful iridescent Banchini-Ferier silk
- Condition:Measurements: Bust: 38inch/96.5cm Shoulder: 14.5inch/36.5cm Hip: 38inch/96cm Length: 41inch/104cm.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU91714313031
Balmain
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Yves Saint Laurent sequins alter neck evening maxi dress. C. 1970sBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in London, GBYves Saint Laurent said “ I love black because it affirms, designs, and styles. A woman in a black dress is a pencil stroke”. Black liquid velvet material features with discretion , ...Category
1970s European Maxi Dress
- Christian Dior London velvet and taffeta mini evening dress. C.1960sBy Christian DiorLocated in London, GBThe French fashion house which dates back to the 1940s, has been providing customers all over the world with some of the most beautiful garments, whether it's a ready-to-wear dress f...Category
1960s European Evening Dresses
- Léonard Paris silk jersey print dress, A / W 1971By Leonard of Paris, LeonardLocated in London, GBLeonard Paris Silk Jersey Dress This dress is constructed from silk jersey printed with a orange, dark chocolate, light chocolate and mustard multi-coloured weave-like ethnic pattern. Ten small Leonard signatures are also printed onto the dress. The jersey is light and fluid and hangs loosely...Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
- Jacques Heim psychedelic print silk cocktail dress. circa 1960sBy Jacques HeimLocated in London, GBJacques Heim is inextricably linked with the history of French fashion. In the years 1958-1962 he was the president of the highly influential Paris Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Cout...Category
1960s French Cocktail Dresses
- Valentino fuchsia wool coat, circa 1980By ValentinoLocated in London, GBThis Valentino coat is constructed from pink cable ribbed wool cloth. It has a flattering swing cut and would be a wonderful option for evenings. Featuring a black cotton velvet sta...Category
1980s Italian Swing Coats
- Unlabelled Madame Grès iridescent lilac silk evening jumpsuit circa 1970sBy Madame GresLocated in London, GBMadame Grés was not well known by the general public. However the French designer’s long career spanned from the early 1920s to the 1980s. Grés’ contribution to the history of f...Category
1970s French Evening Gowns
- Dolce & Gabbana Red Silk Organza Lace Trim Flared Dress MBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Bring retro back to your collection by teaming this red Dolce & Gabbana dress with oversized sunglasses and wedge heels. This organza dress is a fine example of sophistication blende...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses
- Jason Wu Red Crepe Pleated One Shoulder Dress LBy Jason WuLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2A Jason Wu dress like this can easily take you through season after season. Look marvellous in this posh red outfit. It features a one-shoulder design, ...Category
2010s American Evening Dresses
- Alessandra Rich Red Crepe Embellished Button Belted Gown MBy Alessandra RichLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2You'll find occasions to wear this beautiful gown from Alessandra Rich! The red crepe creation features a flattering silhouette that is enhanced with a...Category
2010s Italian Evening Gowns
- Alexandre Vauthier Red Velvet Plunge Neck Faux Wrap Mini Dress SBy Alexandre VauthierLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Creations from Alexandre Vauthier make sure to never go unnoticed whenever they're worn by a diva like you! This ravishing red velvet mini dress ...Category
2010s French Mini Dress
- Jenny Packham Burgundy Satin Trail Detail Wrap Gown MBy Jenny PackhamLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Create the most stunning red carpet looks wearing this gorgeous Jenny Packham evening gown that is fit for a diva. Constructed in burgundy satin fabric, this gown features a wrap sil...Category
2010s British Evening Dresses
- Roland Mouret Red Crepe sleeveless Flared Lubelia Gown MBy Roland MouretLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Resplendent, elegant, and gorgeous, this gown defines it all. Flaunting a floor-length silhouette, this gown is beautified using stunning details and a stylish neckline. Wear it with...Category
2010s Italian Evening Gowns