Pierre Balmain Biography

Vita

• 1914

  Pierre Alexandre Claudius Balmain is born into a family with a background in fashion. His mother runs a fashion boutique, and his father owns a wholesale drapery business. He goes to a boarding school in Chambéry, which he gets a scholarship to attend. During the weekends he spends with his uncle in Aix-les-Bains, he develops an interest in fashion inspired by the women he meets there.

• 1933

  Balmain begins studying architecture at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, and works as a freelancer for the fashion designer Robert Piguet.

• 1934

  He abondons his studies to work as an apprentice for designer Edward Molyneux for the following 5 years, gaining valuable experience in haute couture.

• 1936

  Balmain's time with Molyneux comes to an end when he is called up for military service.

• 1939

  After returning from war Balmain joins Lucien Lelong's fashion house, where he meets Christian Dior, who becomes a mentor and friend to Balmain.

• 1945

  Balmain opens his own fashion house in Paris, showcasing his first collection that features long bell-shaped skirts and small waists, aligning with the post-war "New Look" popularized by Dior. His collection is well received by critics and customers, including a favorable review by Gertrude Stein in Vogue. Balmain started his fashion career at Lucien Lelong's workshop, where he worked with Dior and Hubert de Givenchy.

• 1946

  Creates his first perfume, Elysees 64-83, in collaboration with the perfumer Germaine Cellier. This marks the beginning of his expansion into fragrances.

• 1947

  Balmain's Vent Vert perfume becomes one of the best-selling scents of the late 1940s and early 1950s.

• 1951

  Balmain expands into the United States, selling ready-to-wear and sportswear collections. He is able to translate French fashion into clothes for the American woman, who tends to be larger, without compromising on style.

• 1953

  Creates the fragrance Jolie Madame in collaboration with perfumer Germaine Cellier.

• 1955

  Wins the prestigious Neiman Marcus Fashion Award.

• 1960

  Balmain designs the wardrobe for Queen Sirikit of Thailand during her visit to the United States, demonstrating the brand's international appeal. Designs costumes for the Broadway production of The Millionairess, starring Sophia Loren, demonstrating his versatility beyond fashion design.

• 1964

  Creates the costume for Josephine Baker for her eponymous revue. Another scent creation in collaboration with perfumer Germaine Cellier, Monsieur Balmain.

• 1967

  Creates the fragrance Miss Balmain, again in collaboration with perfumer Germaine Cellier.

• 1968

  Balmain designs outfits for the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, further cementing his reputation as a leading couturier.

• 1970

  Balmain sells his fashion house but remains creative director, maintaining his influence over the brand.

• 1971

  The first female Air France pilot wears a Balmain uniform.

• 1975

  He designs uniforms for the cabin crew of TWA and Malaysia-Singapore Airlines, demonstrating his ability to combine fashion and functionality.

• 1979

  Creates the fragrance Ivoire with perfumer Germaine Cellier.

• 1980

  Balmain receives a Tony Award nomination for Best Costume Design for the production Happy New Year, highlighting his contributions to theater and performance.

• 1982

  Pierre Balmain dies of liver cancer at the age of 68, having just completed sketches for his fall collection. His death marks the end of an era for the fashion house he founded.