1980s Paul-Louis Orrier Emerald Green Silk Taffeta Couture Dress w Extravagant Ruffles
Paul-Louis Orrier was a French designer who is not as well known by the masses but did produce beautifully made clothing. His best work was his pieces for the evening. Not every piece of his work is as fabulous as others but when you do find one of the truly fabulous ones it’s wonderful. This is one of those pieces.
The dress is made from a silk taffeta that gives it just enough weight and structure to be able to create the impressive lines and volume that you see but without making the dress heavy or bulky to wear. The colour is spectacular and is done in a brilliant true emerald green that is so flattering on almost any skin tone. The bodice is cut to skim over you and the waist nips in. The dress comes with its original wide tie belt in a matching fabric that allows you to cinch the waist in further if you wish. I have tied it into a bow at the front but you could do the bow to the back as well or even wrap it around you for a more flat smooth finish. The skirt falls to the floor from there and has yards of fabric in it that creates the fullness and volume that you see. The skirt falls in a gently widening line and is quite full by the time it reaches the hem. I love the volume that this type of fabric creates and how it billows around you as you move but at the same time it is as light as a feather. The ruffled finish on the collar and feathers are what make this one a stand out. You have this dramatic plunge at the front and then these wide tightly pleated ruffles frame and follow the neckline. There are two layers of for the collar and then the sleeves are made from two more layers. This creates a beautiful and dramatic finish to the top. I love everything about this dress. Presents as excellent.
Unlined and closes with a low set zipper and hooks and snaps at the front. Original matching fabric tie belt. The color in person has a bit more depth to it then how it photoed. It is even better in person. There are some small marks on the bodice where the fabric has faded. They are pretty much covered with the ruffles and belt once on. If you look at the shots after the photos I have shot them without the belt and then with on each side so you can see. From the front you don't see them at all because the ruffle cover it. The inner seams are all hand finished and the dress is made to demi-couture standards.
Slightly dropped shoulders: 16.5"
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4113
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.
