True Haute Couture pieces by Chanel are an extraordinary find as they are so very rare and hard to come by. This one, like several other of the Haute Couture pieces in the shop at the moment, are from one of my clients whose mother purchased the majority of her Couture pieces between 1973 to the mid and late seventies.

The dress is made of two layers. There is an inner silk dress that acts as the lining, and then an outer layer over that, made from a semi-transparent silk chiffon. The silk chiffon used on the outer layer is especially fine and it has a beautiful red floral design screened onto the black with a secondary print suggesting an exotic animal print. The straps of the inner dress are made of that same fabric as is the matching belt that cinches in the waist. When the two pieces are layered over each other the result is wonderful. The outer dress gives the dress a very light and airy feel that is very feminine. The dress is so well made that I could not decide which way it sat better. I decided to photograph it both ways. First with the buttons down the front and then with it turned around to have the buttons run down the back. The neckline is collarless and simply ties above the row of silk covered buttons that start a slit keyhole between them and the tie. The bodice is cut to sit looser over the inner slip and the sleeves are full, poufing up above their buttoned cuffs. The skirt is a masterpiece of soft pleat work all the way around the hips. Each individual pleat is done by hand and precisely spaced. These give the skirt it's flounced feel. The matching silk fabric belt hook and ties into place to cinch in the waist. As good as it is on the dress form, it will be even better on an actual body. It is entirely made by hand and has its Haute Couture tag and numbered tape behind the tag present on the interior dress. Excellent condition

The exterior dress is unlined and closes with a tie at the neck and silk covered buttons. It has an inner waist stay that hooks to close. The interior dress act as the lining and closes with a handset side painted metal zip. Matching original belt. Finished to Haute Couture standards. Haute Couture label present with interior tape number 54878. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Outer Dress
Sleeves: 24.5"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 28" from waist to hem

Inner Dress
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3010

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