Balmain, Pierre, 1914-1982 (1914-1982)
Dates
- Existence: 1914-1982
Biography
After working for several years alongside Christian Dior as co-designers for the house of Lucien Lelong, Pierre Balmain (1914-1982) founded his eponymously named fashion house in 1945. The House of Balmain quickly became a leader in the post-war couture world, dressing royalty and actresses including Marlene Dietrich, Katharine Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, and Sophia Loren. Balmain remained at the helm of his house right up until his death at age 68 in 1982 and was subsequently succeeded by his long-time assistant designer Eric Mortensen.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Pierre Simon sketch collection, 1950-1975
This collection hold sketches by three fashion designers collected by Pierre Simon. The bulk (248) of the drawings are by Pierre Balmain (198 b/w and watercolor and 49 b/w pencil sketches). The remaining two sketches include 1 drawing each by Christian Dior and Elsa Schiaparelli.