The last dress I had by Pierre Cardin in a similar fabric and from this same time period ended up being purchased by a museum and I am very pleased to have such a wonderful example once again in the shop. It is always nice to have that museum validation as a collector to know that you are buying an important and relevant piece. I have included two reference photos. One of from the dress held in the Met Museum that dates to 1959 showing the origins of his idea for the ruffled 'petal' roundel hem> the other is a shot from the March issue of British Vogue showing a model in a dress and hat made of a similar print.
This dress is extraordinary and any collector of Pierre Cardin will instantly recognize it for the every special piece that it is. The dress is made out of a printed silk organza and I love that if you look closely you will see little hearts worked into the design. The dress is sleeveless and is cut to skim over the body with just a suggestion of curves as it works it way over the bust, waist and hips. The skirt is spectacular and the highlight of the dress. In person the movement it has and the volume created when you move are incredible. Long oval roundels are hand stitched down their centers to the skirt. This leaves each side of the oval free and off the dress so that they move freely. They are spaced tightly together all the way around the hem. I love how they are set so that they are higher in the front and then curve gracefully down to the back where they are set to fall longer and to the dresses full length. It is a stunningly beautiful and rare piece that I am very excited to have in the shop. Excellent condition with a minor note below to review.
Fully lined in a turquoise silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper. Hand finished throughout. There is a tiny repair near the zipper and a tiny repair area near the side seam. Please see the two photos after the label shot.
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18,5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 49" from neck to shortest point of the front hem, 60" to the back
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3520
Reference Photos: (1) Model in Pierre Cardin for Vogue UK, March 1971. Photo by Barry Lategan. / (2) 1959 Pierre Cardin Dress from Online.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.