Extraordinary 1970s Yuki Brown Chiffon Caftan Dress w Open Shoulders & Incredible Sleeves

I always watch for dresses by Yuki and am excited to have another one so soon after the last. It is one of the more rare labels to find and I love his work. Gnyuki Torimaru started out as an architect before becoming a textile engineer and then a designer. He worked for Louis Feraud, Pierre Cardin and Norman Norell before striking out on his own in 1972. Shortly after the launch of his couture label he teamed up with Rembrandt to produce a ready-to-wear line that had the feel of his couture pieces but was available at locations outside of his atelier. His name became very well known around the globe after creating pieces for Princess Diana’s visit to Japan in 1986. This is one of the most gorgeous examples of his work I have ever had in the shop and I am obsessed with it.

This dress is amazing and it is also an incredible statement piece. This is one of the most fabulous dresses I have seen from this label ever. The fabric is a feather light weight synthetic chiffon in a brown that has a bit of an underlying reddish tone to it. The dress is very easy to wear despite its dramatic presence. It is cut very loose and easy through the entire body and the sleeves are phenomenal. The design is quite clever. An attached piping connects the back and front peak of the halter that connects in the middle at the front and the back once it is zipped closed. The back and front bodice sit suspended from this center point and both sides angle down to the side of the dress. This leaves the entire upper shoulders bare. The sleeves are created by extending out the chiffon that covers body of the dress. Elastic runs through their tops so they they are held in place around the upper part of your arm. I have shown them suspended off the shoulder as best I could on my dress form but in theory you could also wear them up on top of the shoulders. I love this versatility. An elastic is also at each cuff so that they are comfortable to wear. This also helps them to billow up above the wrist more. It falls from the arm and swoops down to the hem on a curve. This created this unbelievably dramatic effect and when you walk or move the fabric billows around you beautifully. The movement and boldness of the design is amazing to see. The dress itself falls from the halter and widens out as it nears the floor. Everything about this dress has a feel of organic movement and drama. It is a remarkable dress and even more stunning on. Excellent condition. 

Fully lined through the body in a matching silky rayon and it closes at the back with a zipper. Elastic at the top of each sleeve and at their cuffs. Tagged a vintage UK 10. The outer chiffon layer is tremendously voluminous so it would be easy to add or take in the inner dress if needed. A couple of teeny darkened marks on one side that is lost in the draping. The easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. On a smaller frame it will just drape more

Sleeves: from elastic at the top to elastic at the cuff is 32"
Bust: up to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 62" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4299

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