After training at the Couture House of Edward Molyneux, Pierre Balmain opened his couture house in 1945 and shared a very sculptural quality with other designers of the 1950s, which was always allied with a ladylike essence and the post war penchant for luxury and beauty. His dresses had a body and a shape of their own and he preferred to use light colors such as gray, pistachio, mauve and light yellow with ornate embroidery and fur trimming. In addition to his couture label, there was a boutique line and accessories.