The Balmain Design house was founded in 1945 by French Designer Pierre Balmain. Following his death, in 1982 his assistant Erik Mortensen took over the label until 1990. In 1999 Oscar de la Renta joined the house and designed for the Balmain label from 1993 until 2002. Investors purchased the house in 2003 and brought in designer Christophe Decarnin.

Chrispophe Decarnin introduced a new look of the very short, body skimming dress, capturing the style of the French party girl.http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/designers/bios/balmain/ Some of Balmain's most recognizable clients are Kate Hudson, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Winslet.http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/designers/bios/balmain/

The designs from the winter 2010 collection was worn by Victoria Beckham, Beyonce, Rihanna and many others that loved the sharp edges of the military Jacket that was shown in October of 2009.. With each year the designer brings out two collections.The collections consist of the Fall / Winter and the Spring / Summer collections. The designer Christophe Decarnin has remained at Balmain as the head designer since 2006.

Christophe's designs were shown in the latest collection, which was featured during Paris fashion week. this collection was complete with bullet riddled metallic and leather mini shorts. The video that is included on this page shows the entire collection that was shown in Parishttp://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/designers/bios/balmain/

Balmain house carries tee's that are priced at $3000, while dresses run from $12,000 to $22.000. The jackets are priced at $5000.00. The label also creates fragrances, shoes, designer jeans and designer handbags.http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/designers/bios/balmain/

Pierre Balmain founded the House and designed from 1945 - 1982

Erik Mortensen designed from 1948-1990

Margit Brandt was a designer in the early 1960's

Herve Pierre was a designer from 1990-1992

Oscar de la Renta designed from 1993-2002

Laurent Mercer was a designer from fall 2002 to spring 2003

Christophe Decarnin has been designing for Balmain since fall 2006