This is an instantly recognizable dress from Prada. Erin O'Connor wore its twin as she walked the runway that season for Look 39 of the fall 2002 Prada show Style.com's review of this show in part said said: In a show that was densely layered with references to the history of fashion, Prada cut a strong, curvaceous and erotically charged line to give grown-ups a whole new reason to buy. ... Revisiting structured tailoring—which is where she began in the '90s—was only one of her ideas.  Prada referenced many of her own past collections, from her bourgeois ladylike phase to her militaristic moments and her love of vintage lingerie. But her achievement was in making something inspiringly new out of confronting a personal taboo. "I was fed up with people saying I can't do sexy clothes!" she stated backstage. It was said with a laugh, but the designer has done nothing less than change the fashion agenda overnight.' Anne Hathaway wore one that season and it is important enough that it is held in the permanent collection of Boston Museum of Fine Arts. I own the twin of this dress myself and its a fantastic dress

The dress is made from a super fine, super soft silk that is woven to feel like a high end thin t-shirt. This fabric choice makes the dress incredibly easy to wear. Choices like this are part of Miuccia's genius. The fabric has been vertically knife pleated and then that is gathered up and along an elastic neckline. The elastic allows you to slip the dress over your head but then draws the neck up and inwards once on the body so the the slits that are left open on each side for the arms are set on a flattering angle. The dress falls from there with minimal seaming. The shape that you see once it is on the body is made by the leather straps that are attached to the fabric. The one under the bust is fully attached and set on a curve that glides under the breasts. The ones at the waist and hips open on one side and are adjustable with metal loops that you can loose or tighten around you. This allows you to control where the leather sits on your body and how much shape you want to add to the dress. Under that the skirt falls with a slightly asymmetrical hem and is longer at the sides. When you move the movement it has is incredible. This is iconic Prada and an amazing piece of fashion history. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips over the head with a hidden set zipper at the side. The leather straps close as described above. It appears to have been worn little if at all. Tagged a Prada 44

Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Strap under the bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from top of shoulder to longest point of hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3994

Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Fall 2002 Prada Runway Collection. Look 39. Model: Erin O'Connor.  /  (5) Anne Hathaway in Prada at a special screening of "Chicago" to benefit GLAAD and Broadway Cares at the Ziegfeld Theater, New York City. December 18, 2002.  /  (6) Fall 2002 Prada Dress from the Museum of Fine Arts Boston Collection.

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