PIERRRE BALMAIN Silk Chiffon Gown, Medium c.1970s

Beautiful, ethereal evening gown by luxury design label, Pierre Balmain dating c.1970s (please read designer information below). The gown consists of a silk dress with fitted bodice and simple shoulder straps (non-adjustable). There are small white tabs at the base of each shoulder strap (inside) to keep your bra straps in perfect alignment with the dress. Fully lined with darts at the bust. Rear enclosed nylon zip with hook fastener at the top. Small split on the rear hem measuring 6" (15cm). There is a seam allowance of 1" (2cm) on each side. The hem and zip are hand-finished.

The fabric is predominantly blue, lilac and white, patterned with a watery theme, including a lakeside scene of pretty sailing boats, reeds and flowers.

The ensemble includes a fabulous silk-chiffon overlay which is completely separate to the dress but mirrors the fabric design exactly. It has a round neckline and fastens with a fabric covered button at the nape of the neck. This provides the gown with lots of movement so it's perfect for dancing the night away. This wonderful evening gown is finished to a very high standard as you would expect from such a high calibre label. The gown is refined and elegant - it will make a wonderful addition to your vintage designer collection. Great for A-list parties and formal occasions or anywhere you want to look the epitome of French chic.

Labelled: Boutique Balmain Paris. The dress has been professionally dry cleaned and pressed - it's ready to wear immediately. The measurements provided are of the actual garment so if you measure smaller, this dress should fit you. To avoid disappointment and expense, please read our Clothing Size Guide for complete measuring and fitting information. Approximate modern day UK size 12 (US 8).

Dress measures:

• Chest 38" (96cm)
• Circumference under bust 34" (86cm)
• Waist 34" (86cm)
• Hips 40" (101cm)
• Length, shoulder to hem 51" (129cm)
• Length of chiffon overlay 49" (124cm)

Condition:
Very good. There are two very faint brownish marks on the right sleeve and one pin hole on the left shoulder. Not noticeable due to the patterned fabric. Please 'click' on the images for a closer view. Professionally dry cleaned and pressed.

Who wore a dress like this?
Purchased from the estate of a very elegant lady that attended many high society functions and events. This dress will provide the wearer with an abundance of chic elegance, perfect for spring and summer formal occasions.

Includes FREE UK delivery!

International buyers: please email for the shipping price. Thank you.

Pierre Balmain was born in 1914 in Savoie, the Rhône-Alpes region in the French Alps.  Balmain's father, who died when the future designer was seven years old, was the owner of a wholesale drapery business. His mother and her sisters operated a fashion boutique. Balmain studied architecture at the Ecole des Beaux Arts, but did not complete his studies. He spent his time there designing dresses and after leaving his architecture studies, went on to receive training in fashion working under two of the master designers of the era, Molyneux and Lucien Lelong.  He also collaborated closely with Christian Dior while working for Lelong.

Pierre Balmain founded his own Parisian fashion powerhouse in 1945.  He sought elegance without lavishness in his couture.  He was a leading practitioner of the "New French Style" or "New Look" of Paris couture following World War II and the "Jolie Madame" style of the mid-1950s. Balmain claimed that he, not Dior, deserved credit for the small-waisted, bell-shaped skirts that were a key component of the "New Look". In the 1960’s Balmain took a more sculptured approach, creating uncluttered designs emphasising structure and contrasts of cut and style.

Pierre Balmain received the Neiman Marcus Award in 1955, and was awarded the Cavaliere Ufficiale del Merito Italiano by the President of Italy and named an Officier de la Légion d'Honneur (the Legion of Honour) by the President of France. Balmain said: "Keep to the basic principles of fashion and you will always be in harmony with the latest trends without falling prey to them."

Balmain's elegant, super-feminine looks were favourites among European royalty and Hollywood legends like Marlene Dietrich, Katharine Hepburn and Sophia Loren. He is most famous for designing the clothes Brigitte Bardot wore in 'And God Created Woman'.

Balmain died in 1982, and the house of Pierre Balmain continued, first under the leadership of Eric Mortensen (of whom Pierre Balmain said "He is more Balmain than me."), then to Herve Pierre, Oscar de la Renta and Laurent Mercier. Investors revived Balmain in 2005, and brought in designer Christophe Decarnin, fresh from working at Paco Rabanne for the previous decade. Today, the collection is still designed by Christophe Decarnin. Owner Alain Hivelin claims that sales have doubled since Decarnin's appointment, amassing $28 million in revenue in 2009. Their clothes are notoriously expensive with sparkly tees running to $3,000, dresses at $12,000 to $22,000, and jackets $5,000.