Balmain - Pierre Balmain (1914 - 1982)

From an early age, designer Pierre Balmain loved fabrics and was well versed in them, since his father had the largest textile store in Provence. From early childhood, he already knew, or rather guessed, what his professional path was.

Designer biography and history of the Balmain brand
Balmain studied with Edouard Moline (1871-1949), who was apparently the only Irishman of all the couturiers. The peak of Moline's fame as a couturier falls on the period following the First World War. From him Balmain learned the perfect cut. Molina was characterized by British restraint, so even such daring shirt dresses with spaghetti straps, which were fashionable in that era, turned out to be exquisite. Molyneux knew how to dress women in both aristocratic romantic evening dresses and business English suits. His outfits were revered by clients for their practicality and elegance at the same time.

After studying with Molyneux, Pierre Balmain worked for Lucien Lelong (1889-1958), who was president of the Haute Couture Syndicate from 1936 to 1946.

Here he was fortunate enough to work side by side with Christian Dior... They developed a relationship of trust, and they were even going to start a company together. However, Dior in this case turned out to be less decisive, and in 1945 Balmain founded his own business. The demonstration of the first collection was attended by the writer Gertrude Stein. In the 1920s, Gertrude Stein met artists and writers: from Picasso, Matisse to Ernest Hemingway. They all admired the writer, who became famous and even called the genius of the century after the publication of the novel "The Making of the Americans" (1925).

She admired Balmain. She managed to get to know him when he was still unknown as a couturier. It was during the Second World War. Gertrude Stein knew with what enthusiasm Pierre Balmain worked. He conquered not only Paris, but also America, opening his salons in New York and Caracas.

The simplicity and elegance in the 1952 collection called "Sweet Madame" reflected the aristocratic spirit that attracted the attention of famous clients. Balmain's collections, like Dior's, were luxurious in lavishly wide skirts. Balmain's color palette was in gentle tones, decorated with embroidery and lace. He preferred this particular decor. And some critics of the time found Balmain's models too pretty and risk-free. Although in 1964 he created a tight-fitting sheer dress for Hollywood star Carol Baker.

Balmain Dresses

Balmain had a distinctly feminine style. He wanted to dress women beautifully, without extravagance. But Balmain's clients adored him not only as a couturier, but also because he knew how to be an excellent conversationalist.

Over the years of his career, he has been contacted more than once. Hollywood stars... His design talent is evidenced by many films of those years, the actors of which were dressed in dresses and other outfits from Balmain.

Filmed in 1956, the film starring the incomparable Brigitte Bardot, for whom Balmain created a sensational dress that expresses tenderness, charm and elegance.

The philosophy of the Balmain brand remains the same today as it was under Pierre Balmain. After retiring for health reasons from the post of creative director of the revived brand Christophe Decarnin, Frenchman Olivier Rustan took this post. Balmain loved to decorate his models. As you can see, Olivier Rustan saw this direction in the philosophy of the brand. Therefore, we see models in which shiny outfits with crystals, embroidery, embossed lace create the same charm, grace and femininity in combination with the requirements of modern fashionistas.

Balmain dress in the middle

Olivier Roustant proposes to combine objects containing embossed ornaments with objects without embellishments.

Leather, rivets, embroidery, embossed transparent texture, wide belt - recalls not only feminine luxury, but also cowboy style.

For spring-summer 2013, the House of Balmain offers dresses, as well as mini-shorts made of leather or suede, and long skirts made of leather with buttons.