Exceptional 1960s Nina Ricci by Gérard Pipart Haute Couture Silver & White Densely Sequin Dress

The Nina Ricci brand was founded in 1932, at 20 Rue de Capucines in Paris and quickly became one of the top couture ateliers in the world. In 1964, Gérard Pipart succeeded Jules-François Crahay, Nina Ricci's former designer assistant, as head of the brand. Pipart, who had previously worked for Balmain, Fath, and Patou brought a wide range of experience in all aspects of fashion to the brand. Over the following three decades, Pipart's couture vision 'celebrated a flamboyant woman and his ready-to-wear found a loyal following among the most stylish women of the day.' He designed the Couture end of the label until 1998. This is an incredible and very beautiful piece of Haute Couture. It is truly one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.

This is one of those dresses that the closer you get to it the more you realize just how special it is. My photos are not coming close to doing it justice. This dress is is a spectacular example of the high end hand work that was being done during this time period in the world of Haute Couture. It is harder and harder to find these original Haute Couture pieces that are entirely sequinned and with such a heavy covering. The dress has a dense and heavy coverage of sequins that cover every inch of the dress. In places, they are almost vertical because they're set so closely together. The cut is simple but dramatic due to the stark white and silver of the sequins. It is cut to skim over your curves and flares out slightly to the hem. The neckline is a simple scoop at the front and then there is a keyhole the back that ties into place. The sleeves are long and cut straight with a pretty scalloped finish. The hem has this same finish and I love this little romantic touch. I love that no matter what angle you look at it from it catches the light beautifully. The amount of time and the hours that would have been required to make this dress with all that hand work is astounding.  It is a beautiful and glamorous dress that is red carpet worthy and would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any big event. Excellent condition with a small note below

Fully lined in a hand set ivory silk organza with hand finished seams. It ties at the back of the neck and also zips to close with a painted metal zipper on one side. All of the sequins are hand sewn into place. There is some minor grubbiness to the very edge of the neckline and top of the shoulders, and this holds true on the inside lining as well. For the exterior I'm being pretty picky about this. Minor patina to the sequins here and there which is expected. There is perhaps a few sequins missing across the very top of the shoulders, but it's extremely minor. Again I'm being extremely picky, the dress is really astounding.

Sleeves: 22" and are 11" around the upper arm
Shoulders: "
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36.5" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4521

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