Pierre Balmain began his career at Molyneux where he worked part-time until 1936. After a brief stint serving in the military he landed at the house of Lucian Lelong. He eventually made the leap to independence and his first show was held on October 12th, 1945 at his salon at rue Francois 1er. This is the second caftan dress like this that I have had in the shop but this one is in a different colour-way and print then the first was. 

The dress is a beautiful example of the work being produced for the ready-to-wear label during this time period. The silk that the dress is made out of is a high end printed Thai silk. Some of the best silks to be found on the planet were coming out of Thailand during this period in fashion. Thai silk was prized in particular for its ability to take on colour and the colours on this caftan are still as true as they would have been the day it was made. The dress has the easy to wear cut of a caftan with wide sleeves and a generous cut through the body. I love how the sleeves are cut to be wide and full. Each ends at about the elbow in length and are finished with multiple rows of a padded top stitching detailing. This adds structure to the ends of the sleeve and keeps them round and full. That same quilting technique is used around the collar and down the front neckline. Running full length down the centre is a row of silk covered buttons and loops. These all are functional so that you can button it up right to the top of the neck,  leave it partially open for a bit of skin to show or even completely open it and later it as a light evening coat. The print is stunning and the entire dress sis covered in an over-sized floral print in pretty pastel greens and blues. It looks to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a pale blue silk and closes down the front with silk covered buttons and loops. Pockets along the hips. Hand finishes. The colour in person has a more pastel feel to it then how it photoed. Tagged a medium. The generous cut will allow it to fit a range of sizes

Sleeves: approx 16"
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 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3569

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