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 early to mid 1970s and it is fabulous. 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 fabric feels like a cotton silk mix and has a bit of a texture to it that adds to the depth of the pattern. It is light in weight so very easy to wear and it holds the colours exceptionally well. The colors are still crisp, bright and true. The dress has these insanely fabulous very full sleeves. The pouf out from the shoulders and end in an elastic cuff. The neckline is scooped at both the front and the back. Under that the bodice is cut to just skim over you. The waist has an easy and full cut. The dress has its original matching tie belt so that you can cinch it in and add as much shape as you wish. The main print on the bodice is the striped pattern that you see. 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. From under the waist the skirt falls to the floor and it widens as it nears the hem. There is a surprising amount of fabric on the skirt and it moves beautifully when you move. The skirt is this amazing explosion of a floral print that runs all the way to the hem. You have two completely contrasting patterns but it somehow manages to work. He cleverly uses the same colours and between how be placed the colours and using the tie belt to bring it all together it somehow magically works. The final result is spectacular and it is an instantly recognizable piece of his work. Rarely do you see someone able to mix stripes, floral and all those colours all on one piece and have it somehow work and be as beautiful as this piece is. This one also has a numbered tag which in this case means that it was probably from the main ready to wear collection or a special order. Excellent condition
Unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Comes with its original ties belt. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
Sleeves: approx 17" and meant to pouf up when on
Shoulder: no true defined seam
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam and can be cinched with the tie belt
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42.5" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4033
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
