Pierre Balmain vs Balmain: Is There A Difference?

We only feature products that we hope you will love. We may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you.  

Balmain is one of the top French fashion houses, but what’s the difference between Balmain and Pierre Balmain? Find out in this Pierre Balmain vs Balmain article!

Balmain is a staple at Paris Fashion Week, displaying an incredible array of striking clothing and accessories each season. The ready-to-wear and haute couture collections are designed by the creative director Olivier Rousteing who brings together the history of Maison Balmain with current trends and styles. However, you may have also seen the Pierre Balmain name and wonder what the difference is between these two names.

This article is going to tell you everything you need to know about Pierre Balmain vs Balmain, including the history, and the differences before delving into a few best-selling pieces from that brand that you may want to add to your own wardrobe!

Pierre Balmain vs Balmain

History of Balmain

The house of Balmain was founded by Pierre Alexandre Claudius Balmain in 1945 after he spent much of his childhood in the fashion world. Balmain’s father owned a drapery business while his mother and sister owned a fashion boutique where he often worked. In the 1930s, Balmain attended École Des Beaux-Arts, intending to study architecture, but instead he spent his time designing dresses.

Balmain went to work for atelier Robert Piquet and Lucien Lelong and spend time with Edward Molyneux before opening up his own luxury brand under the Pierre Balmain name at age 44. The Balmain fashion house was located on rue François 1er in Paris, and his first collection was displayed in October 1945; Balmain then launched his first fragrance, named Jolie Madame in 1949.


After the First World War, Pierre Balmain was known as the king of French fashion, and his couture and ready-to-wear clothes were worn by Hollywood celebrities and royalty alike.

Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, Katharine Hepburn, the Duchess of Windsor, and Queen Sirikit of Thailand all loved Pierre Balmain’s designs, while Marlene Dietrich wore Balmain in her film, No Highway in the Sky.

In 1982, Erik Mortensen because the creative director of the house, continuing the classic, well-tailored Balmain aesthetic. During his time at Balmain, Mortensen won two Golden Thimble awards for his haute couture collections.

In 2011, Olivier Rousteing joined the label and gave Balmain a new lease of life. Rousteing brought a youthful freshness to the brand and created the Balmain Army, a collection of celebrities who often wore Balmain to red carpet events, including Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, and Jennifer Lopez.

Balmain is now a top French luxury fashion brand, alongside Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Yves Saint Laurent, known for incredible silhouettes and tailoring and glamorous prints and embellishments.

Differences between Pierre Balmain Vs Balmain

There isn’t really a difference between Balmain and Pierre Balmain because they are used in reference to the same brand – Pierre Balmain is the brand’s founder and Balmain is the brand name in the 21st century. With this said, you may find vintage pieces that have a Pierre Balmain logo, as this was the design of the brand logo in the mid-20th century.

In addition to this, it’s important to note that in 2011, Balmain briefly launched a diffusion label under the name Pierre Balmain, with a cheaper price range and a more youthful style, but this fashion label was discontinued in 2017 and is no longer available.

So, nowadays, you will see ‘Balmain Paris’ on the brand’s current labels on authentic clothing and bags, but you may find vintage items with the Pierre Balmain logo.

Best Selling Balmain Items

There are so many gorgeous pieces available from Balmain, both from women’s and men’s ready-to-wear collections, and plenty of incredible accessories too! We have brought together some of the best-selling items that we think you will love.

1. Clothing
Blue Balmain Long-Sleeve Monogram Knit Mini Dress
Get this on Neiman Marcus
White Balmain Button Shoulder Cotton Logo Tee
Get this on Nordstrom

The Balmain monogram is iconic and is often used to decorate Balmain clothes and accessories, just like this Long-Sleeve Monogram Knit Mini Dress. The monogram is woven into the knit of this dress for a stunning tonal look that really accentuates the silhouette of this mini dress.

This dress is crafted from a wool blend fabric that gives a tight, bodycon fit for a flattering look, day or night. The long sleeves, round neck, and hemline that hits above the knee is a timeless style that will look chic no matter how you style the dress.

You can never go wrong with a graphic tee, just like this Balmain Button Shoulder Cotton Logo Tee! This white 100% cotton t-shirt is comfortable and breathable with a round crew neck and short sleeves.

The front of the white tee is decorated with the Balmain logo, as modern and contemporary as it was when it was first designed over 70 years ago. To add a little extra glam, one shoulder on this tee is decorated with gleaming gold buttons – such a fun touch!

2. Blazers
Navy Balmain Double Breasted Wool Blazer
Get this on Nordstrom
Dark green velvet blazer suit
Get this on Net-A-Porter

One piece the brand is known for is the Balmain blazer, available in several different styles, colors, and materials. For a classic look, go for the Balmain Double Breasted Wool Blazer, crafted from 100% virgin wool which will give any outfit a refined and sophisticated look.

This navy blazer has wide peaked lapels, sharp shoulders, long sleeves, and a nipped-in waist – all exquisitely tailored. The front of the blazer is embellished with glittering gold buttons, which are featured again on the sleeves, for a striking, glamorous look.

For something a little more eye-catching, we love this Balmain Dark Green Velvet Blazer. This blazer has a bolder look with the textured emerald green velvet fabric, and bright gold buttons – the perfect addition to a playful office outfit, especially during the holidays.

3. Handbags
Off white and tan Balmain B Army Logo Canvas Shopper Tote Bag
Get this on Bergdorf Goodman
Caramel brown Balmain BBuzz Pouch 23 Calfskin Shoulder Bag
Get this on Bergdorf Goodman

We love the practicality of a tote bag, and this Balmain B Army Logo Canvas Shopper Tote Bag is not only practical but timeless and sophisticated too! The tote is crafted from beige canvas and then trimmed with rich tan calf leather and finished with rolled leather top handles.

This bag also comes with a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap for versatility. The front of the bag is printed with the Balmain name for a minimalist aesthetic. The open top allows easy access to the roomy interior, fitted with a handy card slot.

The Balmain BBuzz Pouch 23 Calfskin Shoulder Bag is a recent addition to the Balmain bag collection but has become an instant success. Available in caramel or black, this bag is crafted from supple calf leather and decorated with gleaming gold hardware.

The metal B on the front flap doubles as a turn lock, which opens to reveal a compact interior fitted with a card slot. The gold chain shoulder strap is removable so this bag transforms into a clutch.

We hope you found this article analyzing Pierre Balmain vs Balmain helpful! For more luxury fashion content, check out the links below.

Get more luxury fashion ideas

10 Balmain Collaborations That Are Just Incredible

20 Brands Like Gucci For Luxury Bags & Fashion

20 Best Designer Blazers That Are Effortlessly Chic

Browse All Luxury Fashion Posts

Similar Posts