Christian LaCroix launched his Haute Couture house in 1987 and was instantly adored and revered. A ready-to-wear line soon followed along with perfumes and menswear. His collections are always an exotic, lavish affair and his inspirations spanned the decades with their eccentric, exotic glamour. His atelier closed in 2009. This dress is from the late 1990s/early 2000s. I love it in all it's signature Lacroix drama.

The beautiful bias cut on this dress instantly reminds one of the glory days of Old Hollywood and high glamour. The dress has been done in two layers. There is an inner silk satin slip in a pale ivory and then the outer silk crepe chiffon  layer glides over that. Both pieces have been cut on the boas so made to conform and mold to the body under them. The fine, curved seaming done on the dress is a nod to the type of costumes being worn by starlets of the 1930s and designers working with bias cut fabrics like Madame Gres and Madeleine Vionnet. It really has that same feel once on but the embroidery and applique work on the front middle of the dress give it a modern touch. The bias cut and curved set seams allow the dress to both hug the body and still move with you so it is extremely light and comfortable when on. The bodice is hand draped across the bust with small capped sleeves. The sleeves are split and draped so you will get a little loop on the arm when it is worn. One one side a panel of fabric that drapes down for the prettiest touch. The back is also draped and curved sown in a soft scoop. It is cut to curve around your body, skimming over the waist and flowing softly into the long skirt. The construction of the skirt is remarkable. The back of the skirt cascades down and extends into an show stopping train of silk. It is absolutely beautiful and a dream to wear. Excellent condition

The inner, separate slip acts as the lining under the outer silk crepe chiffon layer. The slip has no closures and slip on. It is so well made you could probably wear it on its own as a separate dress altogether. The outer dress closes with a back, hidden set zipper. Tagged a size 36. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. The length will come up a touch once on an actual body due to the bias cut. You might be able to wear a larger slip under it and go more by the outer dress measurements if needed.

Dress
Shoulder: no defined seams
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 66" from shoulder to front hem, 86" to end of train at the back

Slip
Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 65" from shoulder to front hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3362

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.