Julien Mcdonald’s Fall 2014 collection was inspired by Notre Dame Cathedral of Reims and Chateau de Boursault, home of Madame Clicquot, the woman responsible for the Veuve Clicquot champagne dynasty. “Like Reims turned into Studio 54” Macdonald said of the collection, whilst Vogue wrote that “the models looked like they’d been stitched into gilded second skins”. The fabric was kept sheer, almost invisible, just enough to ensure the silhouette of the exquisite embroidery and beadwork that snaked its way across the models’ flesh like scales of an otherworldly reptile.

This dress, the original showpiece and likely one-of-a-kind, walked the runway as look 19/32. Tailored from a fine mesh in the palest peach hue, it has a body-con silhouette. Below the hips, the skirt falls in a straight, pencil-cut to below the knee. The elaborate beadwork is cleverly placed across the body. The single sleeve is heavily beaded, as is the body, except for sensuous cut-outs at the waist, hip and bottom hem of the skirt. Up close, the beading is incredibly detailed. It takes its lead from nature; individually cut, diamond-shaped pieces of iridescent-coated plastic form scales across the body which shine forest green, black and even aqua as they catch the light. The dress is unlined. It fastens under the left arm with a hidden tonal pale peach zip and hook-and-eye clasp.

This dress is in very good vintage condition. The beadwork is in great condition, and it has been expertly restored, as needed, by our in-house couture tailoress. Please note, there is some peeling to the plastic diamond shaped paillettes, particularly around the cut-out at the waist. This is not immediately apparent when worn and does not detract from the overall effect. There are no composition or size labels so please check the measurements below closely. Our model's sizes are: Bust: 34" (87cm), Waist 24" (61cm), Hips: 34.5" (88cm), 5' 7" (170cm) and she's a size UK 6, US 2.

Note on the designer: Julien Macdonald OBE rose to prominence in the late 1990s. After graduating from the Royal College of Art, he was hired by Karl Lagerfeld to work at Chanel, and was later appointed chief designer at Givenchy. In 1997, Macdonald launched his eponymous label and it was here that he cemented his reputation for high-octane, couture-level craftsmanship. He was named “British Fashion Designer of the Year” at the 2001 British Fashion Awards and, in 2006, he was awarded an OBE for services to fashion. Macdonald is known for his meticulous handwork, opulent fabrics, and body-sculpting silhouettes that marry traditional techniques with unabashed sensuality. His designs, often featuring intricate beading, featherwork, and lacework, have made him a red carpet favorite and a key figure in modern fashion, celebrated for reviving the spectacle and decadence of haute couture in a contemporary context.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 32 in. (81 cm)

WAIST - 25 in. (64 cm)

HIP - 35 in. (89 cm)

LENGTH - 44 in. (112 cm)