This dress beautifully combines several textures to work together wonderfully. It also wonderfully showcases the genius of Mr. de la Renta's work and attention to detail. The dress has a beautiful elegance to it and is quite striking. This sense of refinement is a constant in Oscar's work and I particularly love the earlier examples of it. You can see how many of the elements you see here carried through his entire career and body of work.

The dress is made from a sheer black silk chiffon with a built in under dress done in a light, fine silk chiffon. This gives it a touch of sheerness and allows the design that runs over the chiffon to have more if an impact. That pattern is made from a combination of two velvet's fused to the underlying silk chiffon. One is a coppery brown with no metallic sheen to it and the other a full on metallic velvet that gives the entire dress its subtle glint. Each sleeve is left unlined for a touch more transparency. These are both full and poufed above their cuffs and add a touch of high drama. The bodice is cut in a low V at the front and I love the little high cap detailing at the top of each shoulder. The skirt falls to the floor and comes in more as it nears the hem for a lean silhouette. A high slot runs up the center front for a flash of leg and ease to walk in it. It is a beautiful example of his work during this time period. Excellent condition.

Fully lined with an inner built in bodice made of a nude and black silk chiffon and a black chiffon through the skirt. The sleeves are left unlined. The inner dress lining closes at the back with a hand set, painted metal zipper. The outer fabric snaps and hooks over that to conceal the zipper. Each cuff closes with a hidden set snap. Tiny padding in each shoulder  - just enough to support that little cap. A long slit up the front that is 21" up from the hem. Hand finished throughout. It looks to have been worn very little if at all

Sleeves: 24.5"
Shoulders: at inset seam approx 13" and to where shoulders sit - approx 15"
Inner bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 16" from top of shoulder to waist and will blouse up a bit over the seam so sits at about 15"
Skirt: 41" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3166

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