Pierre Balmain | Fashion Designer, Haute Couture & Parisian (2024)

French couturier

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Also known as: Pierre-Alexandre-Claudius Balmain

Pierre Balmain | Fashion Designer, Haute Couture & Parisian (1)

Balmain, Pierre

In full:
Pierre-Alexandre-Claudius Balmain
Born:
May 18, 1914, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, France
Died:
June 29, 1982, Paris (aged 68)

Pierre Balmain (born May 18, 1914, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, France—died June 29, 1982, Paris) was a French couturier who in 1945 founded a fashion house that made his name a byword for elegance. His clients included the duch*ess of Windsor, the Queen of Belgium, and many of the leading film stars of the 1950s, as well as the experimental writer Gertrude Stein and her companion, Alice B. Toklas.

“Dressmaking is the architecture of movement,” declared Balmain, who had initially studied architecture. After apprenticing with Captain Edward Molyneux, he joined the firm of Lucien Lelong, where he worked with Christian Dior, who was to become his main rival during their heyday in the postwar years. The House of Balmain was an immediate success, its clothes characterized by superb quality, particularly in evening wear, which combined femininity with an imposing elegance. He rapidly expanded, opening branches in New York City and Caracas and diversifying into perfume and accessories. Among the actors for whom he designed clothing were Marlene Dietrich, Katharine Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Ingrid Bergman, and Brigitte Bardot. He published his memoir, My Years and Seasons, in 1964 and in 1978 was made an officer of the Legion of Honour.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Pierre Balmain | Fashion Designer, Haute Couture & Parisian (2024)

FAQs

What was Pierre Balmain famous for? ›

Pierre Alexandre Claudius Balmain (French pronunciation: [pjɛʁ balmɛ̃]; 18 May 1914 – 29 June 1982) was a French fashion designer and founder of leading post-war fashion house Balmain. Known for sophistication and elegance, he described the art of dressmaking as "the architecture of movement".

What happened to Pierre Balmain? ›

In 1970, aged 56, Balmain sold his house but continued on as its creative director and, in 1980, was nominated for a Tony for Best Costume Design for Happy New Year. However, by the time of his death from liver cancer on 29 July 1982, Balmain's name had all but faded from high fashion circles.

What makes Balmain so special? ›

The result is a truly unique and recognizable silhouette, style and attitude that build upon the impressive craftsmanship that the house's ateliers are celebrated for, as well as the legacy of founder Pierre Balmain, who—just like Olivier Rousteing—is recognized for having never been afraid of going against well- ...

Is Pierre Balmain a luxury brand? ›

Pierre Balmain S.A. (French: [balmɛ̃]), trading as Balmain, is a French luxury fashion house that was founded by Pierre Balmain (1914–1982) in 1945. Pierre Balmain S.A. It operates over 50 stores.

Why is Balmain so famous? ›

His unique and immediately popular vision ensured that Pierre Balmain would be among the handful of daring designers responsible for France's historic post-war fashion renaissance—helping to make very clear to all that Paris remained fashion's capital.

Why is Balmain so expensive? ›

Why is Balmain so expensive? Balmain can be considered an expensive brand because it's a well-known luxury label that provides status and exclusivity to those who wear its products. It also offers design value, has a loyal customer base, higher consumer demand, and celebrities love it.

Were Dior and Balmain lovers? ›

Although Dior and Balmain had very different personalities and Dior was ten years older than Balmain, the two grew to become good friends and allies. In addition, Dior was a helpful, calming force, cooling tempers whenever Lelong and Balmain would have one of their many arguments.

Why did Balmain change their logo? ›

According to Rousteing, the logo signifies the brand today, whereas still representing the past. This means that Balmain did not break down its rules and traditions simply for the sake of doing that but because times are changing.

What brand owns Balmain? ›

BALMAIN TODAY

Since 2016, Balmain has been controlled by Mayhoola For Investments LLC.

What does Balmain stand for? ›

Since its founding by Pierre Balmain in 1945 the French high fashion brand BALMAIN stands for luxury, elegance and glamor. Today's creative director Olivier Rousteing combines influences of biker and military look with ultra sexy details.

Is Balmain still popular? ›

How popular is Balmain in the United States? In total, 11% of U.S. luxury fashion owners say they like Balmain.

What is the Balmain controversy? ›

Olivier Rousteing, creative director of Balmain, is accused of plagiarism. Sarah Diouf, founder of Senegalese brand Tongoro, claimed Balmain's accessories shown at its FW24 men's fashion show in Paris bore a resemblance to her designs.

How to tell if Balmain is real? ›

One of the easiest ways to identify a fake Balmain is to check the spelling on the tag. It seems simple, but that seems to be a common giveaway. Also, check the labels on the item. There are never open or sloppy seams, and the writing is sharp and clear.

Why is Balmain so cheap in Dubai? ›

Unfortunately Dubai is packed with fake/replica high-end brand shops. As is Balmain in this Mall - All items are replica but Sold as real Balmain from Paris. Spoke with Balmain main quarter in EU, and they are aware of the problem.

Is Balmain made in China? ›

Yes, some Balmain products are made in China. Balmain's headquarters are in Paris, France, where the brand designs its entire collection. Certain haute-couture and ready-to-wear garments are crafted in Europe, while certain items, such as footwear and small accessories, are manufactured in China.

What is Balmain brief history? ›

Founding Maison Balmain

In 1945, Balmain founded Maison Balmain as a couture house. The House of Balmain was an immediate success, with the focus of excellent quality and evening wear. Like Dior, no doubt Balmain's previous success at other fashion houses set him up for success with his own house.

What is the story behind Balenciaga? ›

Balenciaga began when Cristóbal Balenciaga opened his first boutique in San Sebastián, Spain in 1918, which expanded to include branches in Madrid and Barcelona. When the Spanish Civil War forced the boutiques to close, he moved to Paris.

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