This is a gorgeous dress by Pierre Cardin and I absolutely love it. There is a certain silhouette that is closely associated with Pierre Cardin but he was actually a designer that had a huge range. At times some of his other silhouettes get overlooked and they should not be. This wonderful Haute Couture example that I believe dates to the late seventies or early eighties. It is a beautiful and elegant piece that may not be as 'mod' in feel as some of Cardin's other pieces during this time period but shows the breadth of his talent and the high level of glamour that he was capable of.

The dress is made from a silk that has a dense application of hand placed sequins running over its entire surface. The colour of the sequins is a red that has a touch of an orange undertone to them. They are laid out flat side by side to catch maximum light. This gives the dress an almost molten feel that is stunning from every angle. The shape is kept very simple so that those spectacular sequins take centre stage. The front is cut onto a peak and then from that peak straps extend out, cross over themselves and then curve over each shoulder to meet the fabric at the back. The back is cut low and deep to leave a wide expanse of bare skin. It falls in a sleek column over the body and is brought in with seaming to shape it through the waist. It curves over the hips and stays fairly snug to the legs and then the bottom skirting flares out. That bottom skirt is a full 14" high and if you lay it out flat it is a true circle. The way it is set into the skirt lets it fall in soft curving ruffles all around you. When you walk it kicks out and has beautiful movement to it. The dress is very chic and very femme fatale. It is a dress that may seem unremarkable on a hanger but transforms into an insanely good piece once on the body. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a red silk and closes with a hand set back painted metal zipper. Hand set lining. It is cut on the bias so has some play in the measurements. The comfortable range is noted below. A tiny bit of patina on the back of sequins near the neck and at the very edges here and there. Very minor  

Bust: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 7" from top of shoulder to hem with 1.5" turned under the hem 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3748

Reference photo: L’Officiel 1976

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