Balmain jacquard lame evening blazer, c. 2010
About the Item
- Designer:Christopher Decarnin
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 36 (EU)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU14021392673
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 PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Balmain by Christophe Decarnin black leather safety-pin corset, ss 2011By BalmainLocated in London, GB▪ Balmain black leather safety-pin corset ▪ Designed by Christophe Decarnin ▪ Adorned with silver metal barbell piercings and safety-pins ▪ Patch...Category
2010s French Corsets
- Vivienne Westwood black velvet corset and bustled skirt, fw 1996By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GBVivienne Westwood black velvet evening corset and bustled skirt ensemble Fall-Winter 1996Category
1990s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Jean Paul Gaultier black jacquard cotton lace up corset, ss 2004By Jean Paul GaultierLocated in London, GB▪ Jean Paul Gaultier black jacquard cotton corset ▪ 56% Cotton, 44% Rayon ▪ Tan leather backing ▪ 4 lace up openings ▪ Metal corset hook fasteners at centre front ▪ IT 38 - FR 3...Category
Early 2000s Italian Corsets
- Alaia Autumn-Winter 1991 plum corset vestBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in London, GBAzzedine Alaia Autumn-Winter 1991 plum corset vestCategory
1990s French Corsets
- Gucci by Tom Ford black satin cone bra corset bustier, ss 2001By Tom Ford for GucciLocated in London, GBGucci by Tom Ford, black satin corset bustier with cone bra style structured bust, internal boning and zip fastening. Spring-Summer 2001Category
1990s Italian Corsets
- Vivienne Westwood black and gold mesh 'Open 24hrs' corset, fw 1993By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GBVivienne Westwood black mesh corset with 'Open 24hrs' gold leaf print. Internal boning designed to cinch the waist and push the breasts up. Anglomania, Fall-Winter 1993Category
1990s British Corsets
- Circa 1940's jersey cocktail dress with pink flowers printedLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRjersey cocktail dress with pink flowers printed. Gather in the middle front on the bust, ruffles on the hips, zip on the left side. Size MCategory
1940s American Robes
- Black tulle see-through bodysuit with lace appliqué La Perla ( no brand tag)By La PerlaLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRBlack tulle bodysuit with lace appliqué. No brand tag. Adjustable shoulder straps. Hook& eye on the inseam. SIZE SCategory
2010s Unknown Bodysuits
- Black and beige see-through tulle slip-dress with cut-work La Perla NEW with tagBy La PerlaLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRBlack and beige see-through tulle slip-dress with cut-work. NEW with tag. Fabric composition: nylon, polyester, elasthane, tulle. SIZE 38 (Fr) S (Us)Category
2010s Italian Slips
- Beige lace lace bustier with boned and padded Marvel by La PerlaBy La PerlaLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRBeige lace lace bustier with boned and padded. Fabric composition: tulle, lace, acetate, nylon, polyamide & elasthane. Zip and hook&eye on the left side.Satin ribbon bow in the mid...Category
2010s Italian Bustles
- Dolce & Gabbana Vintage Floral Under bust Corset Tank TopBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in London, GBWe are excited to present this Dolce & Gabbana Vintage Floral Under bust Corset Tank Top. Features leather trim with boning, lace front with lace up detail for closure, mesh floral ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Corsets
- F/W 2013 Look # 30 NEW VERSACE T-STRAP EMBELLISHED HARNESS with CRYSTALS 38 - 4By VersaceLocated in Montgomery, TXVERSACE Actual runway sample Fall/Winter 2013 Look # 30 This fully embellished t-strap harness from Versace features spike studs and crystal hardware...Category
2010s Italian Belts
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
This Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen Ensemble Is Part Zsa Zsa Gabor, Part ‘Blade Runner’
As Burton steps away from the brand, it’s a fitting time to revisit one of her visionary designs.
Vivienne Westwood’s Punk Spirit Lives On in This ’90s Tartan Ensemble
The shorts suit in a mash-up of patterns with an asymmetrical cut speaks to the designer’s rebellious spirit.