1960s Jean Patou Numbered Haute Couture Draped Silk Dress

This exceptionally beautiful, draped, heavy silk Jean Patou dress that is an absolutely masterpiece and an important representation of the house of Patou and the level of haute couture they were producing at this time. Jean Patou once said "the modern woman leads an active life, and the creator must therefore dress her accordingly, in the most simple way, whilst maintaining her charm and femininity." and this dress is the very epitome of that statement. As time passes this piece will only increase in value and is truly a collectible, if not museum worthy piece. Beyond its distinguished provenance it is one of the most beautiful dresses that I have had come through my hands and the fit once on a real body is divine. The dress is numbered and is true haute couture piece that has been made entirely by hand and represents countless hours of dedicated hand work within the atelier. A heavy rich, deep raspberry pink silk is bias cut and has been hand draped and gathered in towards the waist so that the entire dress seems so either meet or begin at that point depending on your perspective. The neck plunges (a hook allows you to control whether that is a low plunge or a to-the-waist-plunge) and the front curves up in a high slit that follows that beautiful draping. It completely opens so has the added versatility in that you can use it as a layering piece as well. The final effect has the feel of a Grecian goddess and the color is perfect on most skin tones. Really an extraordinary piece that will be the star of your wardrobe. Excellent condition.

Fully hand set lining in a matching custom dyed silk. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely done by hand. Closes with a series of hook & eye and snaps at the front. Inner waist stay. Numbered label 10.950. Note that the waist measurement is that of the inner waist stay - I believe you could potentially adjust this and the corresponding snaps and hooks up or down 1/2" without effecting the drape. I see a slight spot on the back just under the waist and two tiny areas just above. This is listed in clean, odor free, as found condition and these most likely will come out with specialty cleaning but I don't like cleaning haute couture unless it is absolutely necessary. I attempted to photo it (see the photos) but you can see it doesn't really even register on camera. It is negligible and does not affect the value as priced or its ability to be worn. I feel a smaller frame could wear this well and it would just drape with a looser fit. The color is even more beautiful and rich in person.

Sleeves: 16.5" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: open with no true side seams
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 18" from neck to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to longest point of back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD2517

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, for her weekly style column on our blog Curated. (Photos by Erin Leydon) Click here to see the full column >

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