Pauline Trigere launched her label in 1942. She moved to the US from Paris in 1937 and I feel like her designs always retained that bit of a French feel to them. By 1949 she had been awarded a Coty and went on to win two more in 1951 and 1959. The 1959 win coincided with being inducted into the Coty Fashion Hall of Fame. She was a pioneer in the use of cottons and wool for evening. In 1961 she made headlines for being the first major fashion house to use an African American model. This is a lovely dress by her from the early 1970s. 

This gorgeous dress has a rope print that covers its surface and plays on the black and white contrast that you see on the dress. The bodice is made out of a semi-sheer silk that has a ribbon effect running through. Under that is a built in white lining and the silk floating over this gives it a bit of added depth. The skirt is made out of the the same silk but the parts between the ribbon finish are more opaque so it feels as if it is a heavier weighted silk even though it is not. This fabric choice gives the dress a wonderful lightness and ease once it is on the body. The top is cut to sit loosely over the bust. There are small gathers along the shoulders for a little bit of detailing and the neckline is set square and wide across. I think you could easily wear the sleeves off the shoulder if you wished. The sleeves are wide and full. They are cut to billow above the elastic cuffs. The waist is seamed and below that the skirt falls in a cascade of fabric to the floor that widens out just touch as it nears the hem. I love the two big pleats set on either side of the skirt that add a touch of volume there. This is a dress that will transform once on an actual body. You could also wear a belt to add more shaping through the waist. Excellent condition with one small note to review below

Both pieces are lined with a semi-sheer silk. White for the top and black for the skirt. The sleeves are unlined and attached at the top of the shoulder only with elastic on their tops. It closes with a metal and nylon zipper at the back. Elastic finishes each sleeve. There is the teeniest of discolouration to the fabric at the small of the back. Please see the last photo after the shot of the label. In person this areas is actually lighter then how it photoed

Sleeves: 19"
Shoulders: no true seam
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 41" from waist to hem with 4" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3434

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