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Balmain, Pierre, 1914-1982 (1914-1982)

 Person

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 25 Collections and/or Records:

Balmain, 1950-1956, 1950-1956

 folder
Identifier: SC.20.1.23
Scope and Contents

Sketches by Balmain, 1950-Fall 1956

Dates: 1950-1956

Balmain, 1957-1962, 1957-1962

 folder
Identifier: SC.20.1.24
Scope and Contents

Sketches by Balmain, Spring 1957-Spring 1962

Dates: 1957-1962

Balmain, 1963-1967, 1963-1967

 folder
Identifier: SC.20.1.25
Scope and Contents

Sketches by Balmain, Spring 1963-Fall 1967

Dates: 1963-1967

February 7-8, 1987, 1987

 folder
Identifier: SC.214.1.1.94
Scope and Contents

This folder contains 6 fashion designers sketches, including designs of Pierre Cardin, Christian Lacroix, Balmain, Jean Patou, and Givenchy and 3 8x10 black and white photographs of designer fashions.

Dates: 1987

Pencil sketches, late 1960s to early 1970s, circa 1965-1975

 folder
Identifier: SC.195.8
Scope and Contents

49 pencil sketches.

Dates: circa 1965-1975

Pierre Balmain, 1954-1955, 1954-1955

 folder
Identifier: SC.320.3
Scope and Contents

The series is comprised of 5 black and white photographs.

Dates: 1954-1955

Pierre Balmain, 1960-1965, 1960-1965

 folder
Identifier: SC.195.4
Scope and Contents

34 black & white and color sketches.

Dates: 1960-1965

Pierre Balmain "Couture Balmain," Summer 1963, 1963

 folder
Identifier: SC.195.3
Scope and Contents

32 black & white and color sketches, 2 with swatches, attributed to Balmain.

Dates: 1963

Pierre Balmain, early to mid 1960s, 1960-1965

 folder
Identifier: SC.195.7
Scope and Contents

34 black & white and color sketches.

Dates: 1960-1965

Pierre Balmain sketches, early 1960s, 1960-1969

 folder
Identifier: SC.195.6
Scope and Contents

36 black & white and color sketches, some with Balmain's imprint.

Dates: 1960-1969