loris azzaro

1980s Loris Azzaro Couture Billowing Silk Beaded Gown

This is what haute couture dreams are made of. It is one of the most dramatic, over the top, statement piece s that I have ever had and I love it. I love that you can pouf and puff that outer skirt to the most incredible volumes and make this the kind of gown that will turn every head when you walk into a room. On the wrong girl this might seem to be too much but on the right girl it will be stupendous and become legendary for its audacity and boldness. You so rarely see Azzaro Couture pieces anywhere and to have one as incredible as this is just a treat. Azzaro was a favorite of actresses like Raquel Welch and Sophia Loren among others and quickly gained international recognition with his sexy designs. Here he takes silk taffeta to new heights with this bold gown. It is just stunning. It has a full inner dress that goes to the knee or just above depending on your height. (I have to be honest that I would be tempted to really shorten this inner skirt to give more contrast tot he skirts and show more leg). This inner dress is made of black silk taffeta and is strapless with a heavily beaded bodice and sweetheart neckline. Attached to this around the hips is that incredible skirt made of the same black silk. It is made of two tiers, one atop the other and falling to different lengths. Each has been padded with tulle or netting - this keeps them incredibly light yet also allows you to "mold" and manipulate them to fall flatter or to pouf out to the extreme as I have done for the photos. Despite its massive volume and extravagance it is surprisingly not as heavy as one would expect and because the inner dress is so fitted and the skirts so light and well constructed it feels very secure on. It is absolutely stunning and you will be hard pressed to find a gown of this quality and drama at this price anywhere. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in black silk with a built in boning and foundation though the bodice that hooks to close separately. It closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper. The skirts have netting inside to create the volume you see. I see some grubiness along the bottom edge of the skirts - it does not detract and would be almost impossible to have not happen because of the length. It was a little large on my mannequin so on the right size girl it will fit even better.

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of dress to top of skirt
Skirt: 46" from top of skirt to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2533

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

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SIZE GUIDE

Please review all measurements carefully. More often than not, vintage garments do not fit any size category exactly. If in doubt, measure a garment of your own that fits and is a similar cut and compare it's measurements to the listed measurements below.

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