Hanae was the first woman of Japanese descent to have presented on the Paris and New York runways and the first Asian woman to be admitted as an official Haute Couture house to La Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. Her work is exceptional. Hanae Mori excelled at these beautiful prints that combined nature had elements of her homeland. When I find pieces like this one with such a stunningly beautify example of that  I am very happy. I feel that pieces like this are among the very best representations of her work. This one in its pretty and romantic colour palette is even more so.

This is everything you look for in a piece by Hanae Mori. It has one of her custom designed prints screened onto a feather light silk chiffon. Think the finest silk scarf you could have in terms of weight and feel. The entire dress has been printed with that gorgeous and romantic flower design and I love that it includes some of her iconic butterflies flitting over the flowers in the print. The neckline is set in a slight scoop around the neckline. The silk has been gathered across the top of the shoulder for pretty detail. To highlight that detailing even more it has been completely beaded by hand in an extremely intricate manner. The silk chiffon has been gathered and then beads are stitched in place by hand to form those little repeating diamond patterns that you see. The work to do this and have it all lie flat and perfect like it does is mind boggling. This pin tuck finish runs from the neckline all the way over the top of the shoulders all the way around front to back. This beautifully highlights the shoulders but in the softest possible way. That detailing is then bordered by a a tightly spaced row of beading that goes all the away around the actual neckline. A little row of beads also circles each cuff for the perfect little flash of glamour at each wrist. From the neckline it cascades and skims loosely over the body and gently widens out until it reaches the hem. The dress is cut to simply float over the body. It does come with its original matching tie belt so you also have the option of wearing it more cinched in through the waist. I have photoed it both ways for you to see and I love that you can add shape and completely change the look of the dress by adding  the tie at the waist. You can also wear the tie around your neck or even as a head piece. The sleeves are fantastic. Each is an incredibly full balloon sleeve that poufs out dramatically about the cuff. The movement and drama this creates is extraordinary. This is a dress that you slip on and feel completely comfortable when wearing it and yet it has as much drama and impact as you could ask for. It is a stunning example of her work and beautifully made. I love it. Excellent condition

Fully lined with a peach silk and a full second layer of silk chiffon under the top printed layer. It closes with a back zipper. The sleeves are unlined. Each cuff closes with a hidden silk covered snap. The original tie belt is included. Hand finished throughout with hand rolled hems on the top two chiffon layers. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a variety of sizes. It will just drape more on a smaller frame and be more fitted on a larger frame.

Sleeves: approx 25" but meant to come up once on
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4372

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