This dress was designed by Belgian-born Jules-Francois Crahay, who headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. He has been noted as one of fashion’s 'great colorists with his colorful patterns making his 1970s Lanvin designs hugely desirable and influential.' His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourites for the house. I especially love the his work during the period through the late sixties and into the early 1970s. He was a genius at print and colour and he pushed the envelope in terms of using cutting edge fabrics available during this time period. This dress dates to the period between 1972 and 1975 and it is just exceptional. He really did mix colour and print like no other and I think this is a stunning example of his work. I love when I find great examples of this label from this time period.
This Lanvin dress is gorgeous. I am in absolute love with it. The dress has a very unusual but gorgeous colour and print combination. The wool challis fabric it is made of is light in weight and holds colour exceptionally well. The colors are still crisp, bright and true. The dress has little cap sleeves and the neckline plunges into a V at the front and crosses over itself. The main print on the bodice is of florals and then that is edged with a striped pattern at the back and front. It zips down the back and I think it's amazing how the pattern at the back has been set so that it doesn't break in an awkward kind of way. The waist is cut with a loose and easy cut and on each side of the waist are attached ties that you can use to cinch it in a bit. Since they are attached at the sides you can tie them at the front as I have or at the back. The ties are printed with the floral print on one side and the stripes on the other. From under the waist the skirt falls to the floor and it widens as it nears the hem. A wide panel of the floral print runs down the center and around the hem. The rest of the skirt is a white dot on a soft brown backdrop. This is all achieved by the print having been screened onto the fabric and not pieced together. Which means that it was all pre-planned and figured out and that each dress made would have had to have been cut out specifically so that the design sits right over the dress. Incredible. The pattern that runs over the entire dress is spectacular and it is an instantly recognizable piece of his work. Rarely do you see someone able to mix stripes, floral and dots all on one piece and have it somehow work and be as beautiful as this piece is. Excellent condition
Unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Attached ties at the waist as described above. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
Sleeves: 11" around the ends and 9" long
Shoulder: 15"
Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42.5" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3962
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
