1949 Documented Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Grey Bar Jacket Suit

Founded in post-war Paris, Pierre Balmain’s eponymous house was central to revolutionizing French style. Balmain’s debut show in October 1945 preceded Christian Dior’s ‘New Look’ by two years and welcomed curve-enhancing silhouettes into the mix, such as bell-shaped skirts nipped in at the waist. A near identical suit in navy is held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art and we attach a 1949 advertisement for a similar design which retailed in a New England department store. Our final photo is a model wearing the same design on a promotional trip to London for the Fall 1949 collection – Balmain himself is just off the shot to the left of the group.

MEASUREMENTS OF THE SKIRT:
Waist – 27in. (68.5 cm)
Hip – 43 in. (109 cm)
Length – 31 in. (78.8cm)

MEASUREMENTS OF JACKET:
Bust – 36 in. (91.5 cm)
Waist – 31 in. (78.8 cm)
Hip – 38 in. (96.5 cm)
Length – 26.5in. (67 cm)
Shoulders – 17in. (43.5 cm)