From the Closet of: Roya Shanks

Label: Victor Costa Day

Era: 1970s/80s

Size: Small 

About the Item:

Roya found this Victor Costa Day dress years ago, likely on Etsy, a platform she credits with helping shape her vintage wardrobe. "I wouldn't have anywhere near what I have if I was starting now."

Unlike the designer's more recognizable 1980s party dresses, this Victor Costa Day piece represents a side of the label she particularly loves. "I really like Victor Costa that's not a hundred percent identifiable as Victor Costa," she says. "I really like his pieces from the seventies when you look at the label and you're like, 'Oh!'"

Rendered in an electric ruby-and-purple paisley print with black velvet trim, a dramatic bow neckline, and a sculptural velvet waist panel, the dress feels glamorous without veering into the overtly prom-ready territory often associated with the designer's later work. Roya remembers wearing it to a classical music house concert in Tribeca while newly pregnant. "I wasn't in the stage of telling people," she recalls, "and still being able to wear this, but getting a little tight."

About the Label:

Few designers were better at translating the glamour of Paris fashion for American women than Victor Costa. After studying couture in Paris—where he reportedly shared classes with a young Yves Saint Laurent—and working for New York's famed Suzy Perette, Costa built a devoted following for elegant dresses sold through Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman. This piece comes from Victor Costa Day, a label that offered a more understated take on the romance and femininity that made his eveningwear so beloved. This piece comes from Victor Costa Day, a label that brought his signature romance, polish, and femininity to daytime dressing.

Measurements:

Bust: 18”
Waist: 13”
Hip: 15”
Length: 43”

Fabric:

No label black velvet details

Condition: 

Item is in great vintage condition.