Suit

Pierre Balmain|House of Balmain

1949 · wool, silk · Costume Institute

After studying architecture for a year, Pierre Balmain changed his focus to fashion. He began as a sketch artist for the house of Robert Piquet and then went on to work as an assistant designer at the House of Molyneux from 1934-1938. His next position was with the designer Lucien Lelong, working there in 1939, and then from 1941-1945. While at Lelong, Balmain designed alongside his contemporary Christian Dior. Stated appropriately by the fashion historian Farid Chenoune, Balmain was one of "the supreme practitioners of the New Look generation,” along with designers Dior and Jacques Fath. Maison Balmain opened in 1945, and in addition to promoting the New Look silhouette, Balmain is credited with popularizing the stole as an accessory. His work is characterized by its simple elegance and impeccable detail. This suit is a fine example of post-war French couture. The jacket is "New Look" styling with padded hips and a tight waist. As with all of his designs, the jacket and skirt are beautifully crafted.

Artist

Pierre Balmain|House of Balmain

Date

1949

Medium

wool, silk

Culture

French

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Dorothy Baden Stamm, 1963