1914

Pierre Balmain is born in Saint-Jean-de-la-Maurienne in France’s southeastern Savoie region of the Alps.

1933

Balmain goes to Paris to study architecture but is soon drawn to fashion.

1934

Balmain sells sketches to Robert Piguet.

The couturier is offered a job by Paris -based British couturier Edward Molyneux.

1939

Balmain enters the studio of Lucien Lelong.

When World War II is declared, he is mobilized in the French Army Pioneer Corps as part of the Alpine defenses.

He meets Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas while in the Alps.

1941

After France’s capitulation, he returns to Paris and his position at Lelong, where he works alongside Christian Dior.

1945

Balmain sets up his eponymous house at 44 François-1er.

His first couture collection is presented to the pr

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