This gorgeous dress would have been designed by 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 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 his work with colour and cuts. This dress is from the early part of the 1970s and it is incredible. The Lanvin label is numbered and it is one of the best prints I have seen.
This Lanvin dress is absolutely beautiful. It looks like it could have been pulled from a collection this very season it is in such remarkable condition. I am in absolute love with it. The colour, the design, the workmanship; everything about it is perfection. The fabric that has been used to create it is a very fine and light silk crepe chiffon on par in quality to the silk crepe that you would see used to make very high end scarves. It has been hand screened with a gorgeous and vibrant print that was applied and pre-planned for before piecing the fabric together. Anywhere that a seam is necessary, the pattern has been lined up so the seams are barely seen at first glance. The beauty and brilliance of the colour is equaled by the fine workmanship that has gone into constructing it. The bodice is cut across the bust and is fitted. Little ties extend out from it to tie at the top of each shoulder for a sweet touch. The neckline is cut straight across for a bandeau effect. The pattern is more intricate across the front of the bodice and I love that this is picked up with a band of the same design at the lower hem. The skirt is constructed from two layers of the same fabric and has quite a bit of fabric in it. This gives it beautiful movement around you when you move. I also love that they used the same printed crepe chiffon to line the skirt. It is like a little secret that only you know and shows the quality of the piece. They could have easily just used a solid colour that would be cost less to do. Having the two printed layers lets the two patterns float over each other and subtly creates a stunning depth to the print. The choice of fabric has allowed it to retained the crispness of the colour even after all of these years making it feel new. At the same time it is feather light so once on the body it is easy to wear and it moves beautifully with you. It is even better in person then how it photoed and like the best of all high quality vintage and couture pieces, it will only really come to life once on an actual body. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a second layer of the same fabric and close with a back zipper. Each shoulder ties with the attached ties. Hand finished throughout. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Numbered tag.
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 13" from top of shoulder to seam under the bust and can be adjusted slightly with the ties
Skirt: 44" from seam under the bust to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3709
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
