Born Pierre-Alexandre-Claudius Balmain in St. Jean de Maurienne in 1914. Pierre Balmain started his creation in 1945. His early training started with Molyneux and Lucien Lelong, this lead to the opening of his own Haute Couture house following the war in autumn 1945. He also created one of his best-selling perfumes called, Vent Vent in 1947 with Jolie Madame from 1953, and Ivoire in 1979. Pierre was known for sophistication and elegance and always was found quoted saying, “dressmaking is the architecture of movement", thus making his mission, which was to beautify the world - like an architect.



He studied architecture at the Ecole Nationale Supèrieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris from 1933 - 1934. Balmain did military service in the French Air Force and the French Army Pioneer Corps - from 1936 - 1940. Today the name Pierre Balmain radiates a unique concept of elegance, a clientele ranging from royalty being the Duchess of Windsor, the Queen of Belgium to many movie stars of the 1950’s and a familiar link throughout the world. It was written that “A dress is to once more become a thing of beauty, to express elegance and grace." It was Pierre Balmain’s belief that “nothing is more important in a dress than its construction". His belief in creation of dresses was that ornamentation was for the sake of making a garment amazing and at one time offended the US press saying that Seventh Avenue fashion was “vulgar".

Balmains’ believed that fashion should be cherished in an elegant appearance and should posses a sophisticated style. Simplicity was what Balmain strived for and always kept to the basic principals of fashion in the sense that one will always be in accord with the latest fashion trends without falling prey to them. His basic daywear was slim and eveningwear was being full-skirted. Trim was used all the way through his creations and he will always be remembered for his delicate use of embroidered fabrics for evening wear.

After his death on the 29th June 1982, the Pierre Balmain range was passed to his personal assistant since 1951 and closest collaborator Erik Mortensen. Erik made sure that the Balmain house traditions were been updated in style and design.