1970s Pierre Balmain Jersey A-Line Yellow Halterneck Maxi Dress
Pierre Balmain ran his eponymous fashion house until his death in 1982. This striking gown dates to the 1970s, the final decade of his tenure, and was produced under his Les Tricots (“The Knits”) label.
Tailored from thick stretch jersey in a vibrant buttercup yellow, the dress features a floor-sweeping A-line silhouette. Sleeveless in cut, it is defined by a sculptural neckline that reflects Balmain’s own description of his work as “the architecture of movement.” Four substantial straps rise over the shoulders, twisting fluidly around one another. At the back of the neck, two straps fasten with concealed hook-and-eye closures to create an elegant high collar, while the remaining straps fall straight down to frame a partially open back. The gown is fully lined in yellow satin and fastens discreetly with a hidden tonal zip at the rear.
The dress is in excellent vintage condition, with no notable flaws. It bears no size or composition label; please refer to the measurements below. The fabric has a slight stretch and is suitable for sizes up to UK 8-10 or US 4-6 and smaller.
Notes on the Designer:
Founded in post-war Paris in 1945, Pierre Balmain’s eponymous house was instrumental in redefining French fashion after World War II. His debut collection in October 1945, presented two years before Dior’s New Look, embraced a return to femininity through nipped waists, bell-shaped skirts, and sculptural tailoring. Balmain’s work—often described as “jolie madame”—became synonymous with elegance, structure, and glamour. The house dressed many of the era’s most celebrated women, including Marlene Dietrich, Ava Gardner, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, and Queen Sirikit of Thailand.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 34 in. (86 cm)
WAIST - 32 in. (81 cm)
HIP - 38 in. (97 cm)
LENGTH - 55.5 in. (141 cm)
Pickup available at CIRCA VINTAGE
Usually ready in 24 hours
F.A.Q.
Will you set anything aside for me before I come?
We are happy to find anything you may be interested in from our website. We have an extensive offline collection. It is helpful if you can let us know your size, style, favourite colour to wear and perhaps your budget in advance of your appointment.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Clients may wish to bring modern shapewear. You may also wish to bring favourite footwear. We often find a classic pair of nude shoes work well when trying-on, or gold and silver. We have a huge variety of slip dresses and petticoats to complete your look. Many of which are also for sale.
Do you have a price range?
Many of our lower priced pieces, under £250, are not available to buy online. Dresses usually start at £150 and go up to £30,000 for the very best archival couture. Our bridalwear price points range from £1,000 to £20,000.
Can I bring anyone with me?
Yes but please do let us know the size of your party in advance.
Where can I get alterations?
We offer some alterations in house. Should you need alterations we cannot provide, we can refer you to one of our tried and trusted tailors.
Do you have an after-care service?
We will advise you on the best way to clean and preserve your vintage purchases and can also recommend trusted local dry cleaners.
Can I cancel my appointment?
You are free to cancel but please do give us as much notice as possible.
Where's the showroom?
Our address is Circa Vintage, 87A Lansdowne Way London SW8 2PB
Upon arrival, buzz the 87A button on the gate or call us 020 7736 5038 to let you in.
Do you have parking?
We offer free, secure, off-street parking but it is a tight squeeze – so do let us know in advance if you will be needing this and we can make sure that there is space available.
How do I get there by public transport?
Underground:
Stockwell (7 min walk) - Northern and Victoria Lines
Nine Elms (9 min walk) – Northern Line
Overground:
Wandsworth Road (13 min walk) – Westbound to Clapham Junction / Eastbound to Dalston Junction
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, credit/debit card, bank transfer, contactless, Paypal
What is archival fashion?
Archival fashion refers to historically significant designer garments preserved for their cultural, aesthetic, or technical importance. At Circa, archival fashion includes couture archive pieces, runway garments, early designer work, and museum-quality vintage that document the evolution of fashion history.
How is archival fashion different from vintage?
While vintage typically describes clothing over 20 years old, archival vintage is selected for its rarity, provenance, and relevance to a designer’s archive or fashion history. Circa specialises in archival pieces rather than general vintage.