Pierre Balmain (1904-1982) worked under Robert Pigiuet, Molyneux, and Lucian Lelong, where he worked closely with Christian Dior. He opened his own house in 1945.
Balmain shared a very sculptural quality with other designers of the 1950s, which was always allied with a ladylike essence. His dresses had a body and a shape of their own. In addition to his couture label, there was a boutique line and accessories.
Balmain died in 1982. His house was run by Erik Mortensen until 1990, who was succeeded by Antoine Alistair Blair and Herve Pierre. In 1993, Oscar de la Renta was appointed Directeur Artistique de la Haute Couture at the House of Balmain. Starting in 2002, the collection was designed by Christophe Decarnin who left the house in 2011. He was succeeded by Olivier Rousteing.
Written by pastperfectvintage.com
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