1970s PIERRE BALMAIN Clutch Travel Document Holder
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2038218765942
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.
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.
- 1990s Jimmy Choo Blue Denim & Leather Shoulder bagBy Jimmy ChooLocated in London, GBleather strap, internal zipped pocket, front magnet closure, silver-tone metalware This timeless design piece is sure to stand the test of time. Put together with quality materials a...Category
1990s Italian Pouches and Wristlets
- 2000s Christian Dior Pink Patent Leather Chain HandbagBy Christian DiorLocated in London, GBOn trend Barbiecore stunning yet practical Christian Dior purse on chain, crafted from fuchsia patent leather, flap secures well with snap fastener, leather-fabric interior, Removabl...Category
Early 2000s French Clutches
- 1990s Versace Versus Nylon Medusa Pin Top Handle Clutch BagBy Gianni Versace, VersusLocated in London, GB
Discover the essence of Italian luxury with the iconic 1990s Versace Versus Nylon Medusa Clutch Bag, featuring a vibrant blue Medusa pin graphic print ...
Category1990s Italian Top Handle Bags
- 1980s Gianni Versace Brown Envelope Clutch BagBy Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GBGianni Versace envelope bag featuring crocodile print on brown leather, frontal clutch closure with logo detail on, set of keys inside pocket, small strap. Condition: vintage, 1980...Category
1980s Italian Clutches
- 1970s Balmain Paris White Cream and Gold Leather Shoulder BagBy BalmainLocated in London, GBBalmain Paris Handbag White cream Leather, brass metal ware, strong magnetic clasp closure, inside zipped pocket, suede interior This timeless and sophisticated design is crafted fro...Category
1970s French Shoulder Bags
- 1990s Judith Leiber Karung Black Shoulder Bag with Gems and GoldwareBy Judith LeiberLocated in London, GBJudith Leiber Karung Black Shoulder Bag with Gems and Goldware, tiop clutch closure, gold metalware, coloured gems, leather strap, inside pocket ...Category
1990s Italian Clutches
- Vintage snake clutch bag with detachable lang chain, UK 1920sLocated in Stuttgart, DEA beautiful and well-preserved snake clutch, inside with 2 long compartments, one with a clasp and one open compartment. Inside lined with leather. There ...Category
1920s British Clutches
- Fendi coral leather clutch purse, bi fold wallet, boxedBy FendiLocated in NEWARK, GBA gorgeous Fendi bi fold coral calf leather clutch purse or wallet. Front and back compartments with a space for cards and other compartments to the front. Soft and vibrant coral coloured leather, the perfect spring /summer piece but this is just so good for any season! Silver tone hardware and embossed branding text to the front, embossed branding within. Please note the camera picks this up as a multitude of tones but the pictures of the purse in / near the box are the most true representation of colour. Comes with the original Fendi box...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Wallets
- Hermes Rooroo Pouch Vert Amande / Craie / Gris Pearl Epsom and Togo LeatherBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Rooroo Pouch featured in Vert Amande, Craie and Gris Pearl. Playful yet sophisticated Epsom leather Vert Amand...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Chanel Red Lambskin Large Classic O CaseBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Red Lambskin Classic Case is in pristine condition. Spacious slim zip top case is quilted in signature Chanel diamond patter...Category
2010s European Tech Accessories and Cases
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Sarah Vernis Portofoyille Bi-fold wallet Rose BallerineBy Louis VuittonLocated in New York, NYWallet LOUIS VUITTON LV Monogram Verni Portofoyille Sarah Bi -fold Pink DETAILS Louis Vuitton Sarah vernis wallet in rose ballerine. Used a few times and not many cards were put into the slots, so pretty new looking inside. Outside has some rub and discoloration. Not sure how to clean. Length: 7.5 inches Height: 4.5 inches Width: 1 inch Designer ID#: LV Monogram Verni Long Wallet "Portofoille Sara ・ Product name: Louis Vuitton Monogram Verni Portofoille Sara Pink ・ Snap button opens and close ・ Compartment with inner gusset X2 ・ Open pocket x2 ・ Fastener coin purse x1 ・ Card pocket X10 ・ Bracket color: gold ・ Lining: Leather (pink) All pictures are of the actual Wallet itself so please look at the pictures. Over all in very good condition MADE IN FRANCE No dust bag We are Estate Jeweler and my main business is jewelry, you can check...Category
2010s French Wallets
- Hermes Jige Duo Wallet / Clutch Vanille Matte Alligator NewBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Hermes Jige Duo Wallet featured in neutral perfection Vanille Matte Alligator. This stunning Hermes Duo wall...Category
2010s French Wallets