Pierre Balmain

Fashion designer, Pierre Balmain was born in France in 1914. He studied architecture in Paris, but turned to dress design, working for Edward Molyneux and Lucien Lelong.

Fashion designer, Pierre Balmain was born in France in 1914. He studied architecture in Paris, but turned to dress design, working for Edward Molyneux and Lucien Lelong.  In 1945 opened his own house and became famous for elegant simplicity.   His designs included evening dresses, tailored suits, sportswear, and stoles. Balmain also designed for the theatre and cinema during his career.  Good friend Gertrude Stein attended Balmain’s first fashion show in 1945 and her companion Alice B. Toklas wrote an introduction to Balmain’s collection in 1948, “Something beautiful at last, something that expresses tenderness, charm, and elegance in silk and wool, in lace, feathers, and flowers.”¹

Mrs. Sally Chase Verser Todd purchased this red silk faille and taffeta evening gown from Balmain’s 1957 Spring/Summer collection.
V.94.81.03

Jackie Mullins
Registrar/Collections Manager
Valentine Richmond History Center