Hubert de Givenchy opened his atelier at the age of 25 in 1952 and quickly proved that he was a master. He added the Nouvelle line in 1968 and I believe this to be a gown from the first or second collection of that new additional to his growing empire and it is really made to couture standards not RTW that the line became. After 1970s the line took a more bohemian turn but this gown shows his training in couture and his love of Balenciaga's work whom he was a close friend of and they often inspired each others work. The photos don't quite convey the strong lines of the piece that lends itself the the sculptural feel of this design - I took one of the photos lying flat so you can see just how defined the shape is. The top is cut to be sleek and simple with no sleeves and a high scooped neckline. It is constructed from a heavy silk whose lemon yellow tone has a hint of acid bright to it. It skims past the waist with a V shaped detailed seam and over the hips where it opens into a full A line skirt. At the back you can see the hand stitching of the zipper placement and this becomes a detail to the design in itself. The very restraint not to add more to it is part of what makes it so perfect. Along the inner back skirt is a hand done tag denoting the client - Mademoiselle Jacqueline B. Excellent condition!

Fully lined in a hand set, yellow silk and closes with a hand set, back painted metal zipper. Small, faint discoloration near the left seam approx at the knee area. This does not distract in anyway.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1989

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