Pierre Balmain began his career at Molyneux where he worked part-time until 1936. After a brief stint serving he moved to the house of Lucian Lelong. He eventually made the leap to independence and is first show was held on October 12th, 1945 at his salon in rue Francois 1er.

This caftan dress is a beautiful example of the work being produced for the RTW label during this time period. The silk  that the dress is made out of is a fine, printed Thai silk. In the 1970s some of the best silks to be found on the planet was coming out of Thailand. The colors are still as bright and true as they would have been the day it was made. The dress has the easy to wear cut of a caftan with it wide sleeves and generous cut through the body. The sleeves are cut shorter and then widen out as they near their cuff. The cuffs are detailed with rows of slightly padded top stitching to add structure and texture. That same padded quilting technique is used to detail the collar and neckline at the front where a series of silk covered buttons and loops allow you to button it up for a high neck or leave open for a bit of skin to show. The print is brilliant and that wonderful floral print has been done using bright primary colors to cover the entire dress top to bottom. Excellent overall condition with one item to note in the condition description below.

Fully lined in a white silk and closes down the front with silk covered buttons and loops. There is a tiny break on the fabric and a light smudge on the top bodice - please see the photo provided. Once on, the color and pattern make this a non-issue but it is mentioned for accuracy. Pockets along the hips. Hand finishes

Sleeves: approx 15"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD2852

Reference Photo by Erin Leydon.

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