I love when I find these earlier examples of Oscar de la Renta's work. He would have been more personally involved in them and they really showcase the designer he was to become. It reminds me of the butterfly front dress jerry Hall wore for the Fall 1979 show and I suspect that this was made in and around that time period. The dress really showcases the the genius of his work and attention to detail. I love it.

This is an amazing strapless dress that is extremely sexy and flattering. The base of the dress is made of a deep rich jewel tone velvet. This fabric choice give the dress a wonderful depth and texture and the red of it is amazing. The shots are close to the actual colour but it is even better in person and richer feeling. The strapless bodice is cut in a slightly dipped sweetheart neckline and inside there is an attached inner corset to hold the dress in place that hooks to close under the zipper of the exterior dress. It falls over the bust and then is cut to skim over the waist and hips. The waist is slightly brought in to create shape but there is no horizontal seam to break the lines of the design. The skirt is incredible and is cut so that it curves out as it nears the hem. When you stand still it falls in a beautiful column but when you move and walk it kicks out around you for some volume and movement that is gorgeous. The effect of this is far more dramatic and fabulous on a real body. If you even remotely love it in the photos you will love when you see it in person. The finishing touch is of course that stunning large beaded bow that has been added across the entire front of the chest. It follows the neckline perfectly and then curves over the bust. The work is all hand done and made up of thousands of tiny black glass tube beads. Excellent condition with one note below

Fully lined in a red silk and it closes with a painted metal and nylon back zipper. Hand finished throughout. The bust has a built in inner cupped and lightly boned bra corset that hooks to close. I see two small areas on the velvet where the pile has flattened slightly. One on one hip and the other at the back near the seam at the bottom. Please see the photo after the label shot. Tagged a vintage OLDR 10

Inner bust: 17." flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: Will stretch from 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21." flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 52" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3694

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