Pierre Alexandre Claudius Balmain

Place: Saint-Jean-De-Maurienne

Born: 1914

Death: 1982

Biography:

Early Life and Career

, a renowned French fashion designer, was born on May 18, 1914, in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, France. His mother, Françoise, ran a fashion boutique, Galeries Parisiennes, which sparked his interest in couture fashion. Balmain's early studies in architecture at the École des Beaux-Arts (1933) were soon abandoned for freelance work drawing for Robert Piguet.

Rise to Prominence

After working with Edward Molyneux (1934-1939), Balmain joined Lucien Lelong during World War II, where he met Christian Dior. In 1945, Balmain founded his eponymous fashion house, which initially showcased long bell-shaped skirts with small waists, popularizing the post-war style known as the New Look.

Notable Works and Collaborations

* Ball gown of coral velvet, pale coral silk and applied oversize velvet dots (Museum of the City of New York, Textile) - A quintessential example of Balmain's elegance. * Suit (Röhsska Museum, Gothenburg, Sweden, Wool) - Featuring a form-fitted jacket with an inturned waist and accentuated shoulders. * Coat (Museo del Traje, Madrid, Spain, Wool) - A black angora wool trench coat embodying the New Look.

• View on Wikioo.org
• View on Wikioo.org
• View on Wikioo.org

Legacy and International Recognition

Balmain's fashion house expanded to the United States in 1951, earning a Neiman Marcus Fashion Award in 1955. He designed for TWA and Malaysia–Singapore Airlines' cabin crew in the 1960s and '70s. Air France's first female pilot wore a Balmain uniform in 1975. Notable Clients: * Duchess of Windsor * Marlene Dietrich * Katharine Hepburn * Queen Sirikit of Thailand

Death and Lasting Impact

Pierre Balmain passed away on June 29, 1982, at the age of 68, due to liver cancer. His vintage couture gowns continue to be worn by celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Penélope Cruz, and Kate Moss. Wikipedia: Pierre Balmain View Pierre Alexandre Claudius Balmain's Artworks on Wikioo.org