Spectacular Fashion Designs by Pierre Balmain in the 1950s

Pierre Balmain was one of the most influential fashion designers of the 1950s. His designs were known for their elegance, sophistication, and timeless beauty. Born in France, Balmain launched his fashion house in 1945, and by the 1950s, he had become a prominent figure in haute couture.

Signature Style

Balmain’s signature style in the 1950s was characterized by long, bell-shaped skirts and tiny waists. He favored clean lines and luxurious fabrics, creating clothes that were both glamorous and practical. His designs often featured intricate embroidery, delicate lace, and rich materials like silk and velvet. Balmain believed that elegance came from simplicity, and his creations reflected this philosophy.

Famous Collections

One of Balmain’s most famous collections from the 1950s was the “Jolie Madame” line, introduced in 1952. This collection emphasized a feminine silhouette with fitted bodices and full skirts. The Jolie Madame look was instantly popular and became a staple of 1950s fashion. It offered a contrast to the more structured, austere styles that had been prevalent in the previous decade.

Balmain’s evening gowns were especially admired. They often featured flowing skirts, strapless tops, and elaborate details that highlighted the craftsmanship involved. These gowns were designed for high-society events and red carpet appearances, making them favorites among celebrities and royalty.

Pierre Balmain’s designs had a significant impact on Hollywood in the 1950s. Many stars of the silver screen chose Balmain gowns for their public appearances. Notable actresses like Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich were often seen in his creations. His ability to enhance a woman’s natural beauty made his dresses highly sought after in the film industry.

Daywear and Casual Elegance

While Balmain was known for his evening wear, he also designed stylish daywear. His suits and dresses for daytime were tailored and chic, suitable for the modern woman of the 1950s. These designs maintained a balance between practicality and sophistication, allowing women to look fashionable during their everyday activities.

Bridal Couture

Balmain’s bridal couture was another highlight of his 1950s designs. He created exquisite wedding dresses that were the epitome of grace and romance. These dresses often featured luxurious fabrics, detailed embroidery, and classic silhouettes that made brides feel like royalty on their special day.

#1 Gigi Terwalgne in an evening gown with a voluminous plaid taffeta skirt and a green taffeta bustier that laces up the back by Pierre Balmain, 1951.

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#2 Marie-Thérèse in an evening gown of pale blue embroidered chiffon by Pierre Balmain, 1952.

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#3 Balmain mannequin Marie-Thérèse models his evening gown accented with a leopard hat and muff, 1953.

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#4 Dovima in a redingote of Celanese acetate and silk by Pierre Balmain, 1953.

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#5 Lisa Fonssagrives in the “Poppy” gown by Pierre Balmain, 1953.

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#6 Marie-Thérèse in Balmain’s famous sheath of embroidered paillettes in a leopard spot design, 1953.

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#7 A model in a midnight blue chiffon dance dress strewn with sparkling sequins by Pierre Balmain, 1953.

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#8 Ann Farrar in a pale blue ottoman dress, the bodice has buttoned tabs as do the pockets, the skirt is wide with an inverted pleat, by Pierre Balmain, 1954.

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#9 Geneviève Richard in a summer suit of lilac and purple linen, the curved jacket has a bib front by Pierre Balmain, 1954.

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#10 Lucie Daouphars in a lightweight glazed wool suit, the jacket has rounded shoulders and a shawl collar, tied at the waist with cord of the same material by Pierre Balmain, 1954.

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#11 Marie-Thérèse in a gold brocade coat of Persian design, a high stand-up collar of mink that extends down the front, by Pierre Balmain, 1954.

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#12 Marie-Thérèse in a silk floral print dress by Pierre Balmain, 1954.

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#13 Ghislaine Arsac in the perfect holiday dress, black velvet embroidered with sprigs of green holly and red berries by Pierre Balmain, 1955.

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#14 A model in a short little dance dress of red satin with an upturned circle neckline and belled skirt by Pierre Balmain, 1955.

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#15 Jacky Mazel in a red Shetland wool suit, the fitted jacket has a small bow at the waist, worn with a leopard fur muff and hat by Pierre Balmain, 1956.

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#16 Marie-Thérèse in Balmain’s elegantly tailored flannel suit named “Jolie Madame”, 1956.

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#17 Balmain’s dress and matching coat lined in fur, 1957.

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#18 Balmain’s evening gown called “Erato”, 1950s.

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#19 Joanna McCormick in a garnet red print chiffon sheath, bloused over a leather belt, an air-vent in the back and a fan pleat train, by Balmain, 1957.

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#20 Marie-Thérèse in Balmain’s plaid wool coat of assembled panels, 1957.

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#21 Marina Nicolaïdes in a crepe sheath dress and short jacket in a blue and green rose print by Pierre Balmain, 1957.

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#22 A model in a coral speckled tweed two-piece, a very short jacket with a criss-cross neckline and short sleeves, by Pierre Balmain, 1957.

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#23 Simone d’Aillencourt in an exquisite satin evening gown in sapphire blue and garnet red, a sash and stole are in gray satin, by Pierre Balmain, 1957.

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#24 Simone d’Aillencourt in a lilac wool suit, the collar and lapels are widened and the jacket tilts slightly to the back, by Pierre Balmain, 1957.

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#25 Simone d’Aillencourt in a pink crepe de chine floral party dress by Pierre Balmain, 1957.

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#26 Simone d’Aillencourt in a roomy blue coat whose effect of a short cape at the back is given by the cut and sleeve setting, collarless and one large button-closure, by Pierre Balmain, 1957.

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#27 Balmain’s town dress and coat modeled here by Barbara Cailleux, 1958.

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#28 Barbara Cailleux in a printed silk dress, long-waisted with a short bolero top, by Pierre Balmain, 1958.

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#29 Bronwen Pugh (Lady Astor) in a silk floral print ensemble by Pierre Balmain, 1958.

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#30 Bronwen Pugh (Lady Astor) in a wool wrap coat with a red fox collar and cuffs by Pierre Balmain, 1958.

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#31 Gunila in a lovely pale lilac velvet dress, the strapless bodice is wrapped in pale green faille ribbon with a corsage of violets, by Pierre Balmain, 1958.

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#32 A model is wearing Balmain’s print ensemble from the Spring/Summer collection of 1958.

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#33 Simone d’Aillencourt in a gala evening gown of silk faille skirt with an embroidered satin top, by Pierre Balmain, 1958.

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#34 Simone d’Aillencourt in a striking red and black wool suit by Pierre Balmain, 1958.

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#35 Balmain’s evening gown called “Nuit à Trianon”, 1959.

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#36 Dorothy is wearing Balmain’s short fur jacket, 1959.

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#37 A model in Balmain’s fur jacket, 1959.

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#38 A model in a long velvet skirt reminiscent of the Renaissance, the bodice is richly embroidered chiffon, by Pierre Balmain, 1959.

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#39 A model is wearing a town suit called “Lexique” from Balmain’s Spring collection of 1959.

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#40 Sondra Peterson in a pale lilac silk mousseline dress, belted and pleated by Pierre Balmain, 1959.

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