Vintage Size 10 - translates to a current size 4/6 or a contemporary Small / measurements given below.
An iconic and amazing dress from the Oscar de la Renta Boutique 1978 collection which was Photographed by HIro for Harper's Bazaar Magazine.
Its twin ( exactly like this one) is in the Metropolitan Museum Designer Clothing Collection.
This dress is also in the HCC Fashion Archive. Ebay does not allow links in listings but you can search for this dress here: https://hccfashion.omeka.net/items/show/743
This particular dress was purchased for Neiman Marcus by my uncle who was a designer fashion buyer for Nieman Marcus for several decades. He attended all the key American and European Designer Collections and selected the pieces they would buy for the Dallas Texas Flagship Nieman Marcus Store, often with particular clients in mind - in this case his beautiful and stylish wife who was a model for Nieman Marcus at this time.
I am fortunate to have ended up with the exquisite clothes from her personal collection - some of which I am now offering for sale.
They were carefully stored in a cedar closet and are in beautiful vintage condition.
They are a pleasure to look at even if they are not something you would buy or wear. So Iinvite you to take a look and visually enjoy and appreciate this lovely dress!
Yves Saint Laurent unveiled his Russian Collection in 1976 and started a craze in the high fashion world for Russian Influenced fantasy fashion inspired by the Ballets Russes and its costume designer Leon Bakst who was active designing costumes for the Russian ballet and opera companies performing in Europe during the 1910 - 1920 era. Russian novels such as Anna Karenina and Dr. Zhivago also contributed to the romantic Russian image. All other fashion designers of the era were influenced by this Russian romanticism. Thus Oscar de la Renta was designing Russian Influenced evening gowns. The fabrics used in these Russian fashions were opulent silks, brocades, velvets, metallic braids and exotic furs. And they were luscious! They were especially nice for winter fashions as they were so rich and elegant.
This Beautiful Bohemian dress, equally fit for a Russian Princess and a Native American Princess is made of silky crushed velvet in a beautiful aqua or turquoise blue trimmed with red braid. It is accented with a beautiful wide handmade white leather belt decorated with glass crystal jewels in ruby red, aquamarine and clear glass rhinestones sparkling like diamonds. The belt is exquisite in itself!
Measurements:
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 18" x 2 = 36"
Waist: 14" x 2 = 28"
Hips: 50"
Lengh: neck to waist 16"
Length: Waist to Hem 40"
Length from nape of neck to hem 56" ( entire dress length)
About the belt:
Width 3.75"
Length of basic belt: 26" with very long ties that are meant to be tied in back leaving space between belt ends of any width desired.
example 2" for a 28" waist or 6" for a 32" waist ( it all works)
Belt can also be worn on other garments as it is not attached to dress.
Belt is made of leather decorated with fabric, braid and jewels. It is handmade and designed to tie on with long double faced braid ribbons.
It is sturdy and well made.
Styling Ideas:
Russian Style: Could be worn with Russian Boots, a hand knit Russian shawl in red or white lace, or a long red wool cape with a hood.
Or
Alternative Southwest Bohemian Style:
The color makes me think of this idea:
Could be accessorized in the Southwest Style and worn with snakeskin boots, and loads of turquoise and silver jewelry
Jewelry is not included in this sale - is shown for styling ideas only. However, if you are interested in turquoise jewelry to wear with the dress message me and I can make seperate listing of appropriate jewelry.