Born 1914 in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Savoie, French fashion designer Pierre Balmain was founder of leading post-war fashion house Balmain.
Fashion designs by Pierre Balmain in the 1950s
After visiting the studio of Edward Molyneux in 1934, Balmain was offered a job, leaving his studies and working for the designer for the succeeding five years. He joined Lucien Lelong during World War II – where he met the young designer Christian Dior.
Balmain was known for sophistication and elegance, he described the art of dressmaking as “the architecture of movement”. He died in 1982 at the age of 68 of liver cancer at the American Hospital of Paris, having just completed the sketches for his fall collection.
These stunning photos captured portraits of classic beauties wearing fashion designs by Pierre Balmain in the 1950s.
Gigi Terwalgne in evening gown of voluminous plaid taffeta skirt and green taffeta bustier that laces up the back by Pierre Balmain, photo by Cecil Beaton, Vogue, November 1, 1951
Marie-Thérèse in evening gown of pale blue embroidered chiffon by Pierre Balmain, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1952
Balmain mannequin Marie-Thérèse models his evening gown accented with leopard hat and muff, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1953
Dovima in redingote of Celanese acetate and silk by Pierre Balmain, Vogue, February 1, 1953
Lisa Fonssagrives in the “Poppy” gown by Pierre Balmain, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue, May 1, 1953
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