This stunning 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. His use of print and colour is just outstanding.
This Lanvin dress is gorgeous. I am in absolute love with it. The dress has a gorgeous graphic colour and print combination that effortlessly combines a stark black and white with colour. The fabric is a light weight cotton voile that holds colour exceptionally well so the colors are still crisp, bright and true. I love when I find great examples of this label from this time period. The dress has long sleeves and what I did not show in these photos is that the bottom two and half inches are lined in the graphic black and white print inside. Which means that you could actually flip them up for a shorter sleeve look and to get that contrast there as a cuf. It zips down the back and I think it’s amazing how the pattern at the back and on all the other seams have been matched. The waist is seamed and I have added a pretty black ribbon that I will send with the dress to cinch it in a bit. You could also add a thin or wide belt to get different looks and by changing the colour of the belt it would change what colour is picked up from the print. From the waist the skirt falls to the floor and it widens as it nears the hem. It is gathered in around the waist and that extra fabric that results in the skirt softens the print. The pattern that runs over the entire dress is spectacular and it is an instantly recognizable piece of his work. Excellent condition with a note below
The bodice and sleeves are unlined and the skirt is lined in a black silk. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. The ribbon at the waist is not original but will be included. There are some small areas of thinning on the fabric. Please see the photos after the label shot. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all and they are stable
Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 13.5"
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4209
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
