After the premature death of Jean Patou in 1936, his sister took over the house and eventually had other designers head the Couture side of the business. Designers have included Marc Bohan from 1954 to 1956 before going to Dior, Karl Lagerfeld from 1960 to 1963 and Jean Paul Gaultier from 1971 - 1973. Christian LaCroix was the last to join the label in 1981 until  he left the label in 1987. His departure also saw the Couture side of the house close at the same time.

The dress is a gorgeous example of how fabulous the right combination of colors on the a really high end silk can be. The dress is covered with a gorgeous bright floral print in shades of pink on an off-white backdrop. Pops of green are mixed in and the darker parts of the dress are actually a deep, blue, making for the perfect end result. When I first saw the dress I was sure that the buttons would close at the front but upon closer inspection I realized the the darts were done on the other side and the dress is actually meant to button down the back as I have shown it. That said, it is so well made I am betting that you could wear it either way and it would work. The collar is high and the sleeves are cut long with cuffs to catch them up at each wrist. The waist comes in and you can cinch it in further with the matching silk tie belt. The skirt has the appearance of wrapping over itself at both the front and back and I love how this is outlined all the way around the hem of the skirt with the solid border to highlight it. The buttons are set off to the side and run right up and into the shoulder where cleverly hidden hook and eye keep it perfectly in place. There is no label but the silk is signed throughout, and the interior, with all its hand finished edges and seams clearly show us that this us a couture piece. The ends of the couture tape that would have sat under the label are also still in place. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a cream silk and closes with the series of buttons, snaps, and hook & eye up the back to the side that you see. Each cuff buttons to close. The matching belt ties around the waist. It is unlabeled with just the ends of the couture tape still present inside. The interior seam work clearly shows its couture origins. I took detail shots for you to see the work there. Additionally, the silk is signed throughout giving us no doubt as to the designer.

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 13"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 17" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3109

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