I had this set in the shop before and brought it back in. Since it left the first time we sourced an entire editorial that showcased some of the best pieces from Ungaro's Spring 1977 collection and I have included that here. It is incredible to have this level of documentation on this set and I am very pleased to have it in the shop again.  Besides its Haute Couture origins, this Emanuel Ungaro set has the added modern provenance of being worn to Madonna's birthday party in Italy by stylist B. Akerlund.

I love the brilliant mix of bright primary colors that have been used for this look. It is made up of two separate pieces. The top is a soft scarf weight silk and then this goes with that silk taffeta skirt with its apron overlay and attached extra long sash. Both pieces are made from high quality silks that have subtly different weights and finishes to them. The top is more of a soft draped silk like you would see in a very high end scarf, while the skirt is made from a light silk taffeta that gives it the shape and volume that you see. The top is fantastic. It has a floral design woven into the silk that runs on diagonal rows across. The color is a deep jewel red and it is cut loose and easy over the body so that once it is tucked into the skirt it poufs out over the nipped in waist. The sleeves are incredible. They are cut to be very full and billow out over each cuff. A long thin open keyhole runs down the front and it is edged with gold cording and bands of silk. This tucks into a bright green silk taffeta skirt that has a cinched and banded waist. Onto the waist of the skirt is an attached wide sash done in a bright yellow silk. This extends out on each side into very long ties that you can wrap and tie around you as you wish. A long front panel of fabric falls from the waist at the front in a bit of a play on an apron and onto that panel there is a beautiful painted scene. The contrast of the jeweled colors and the painted panel on the skirt give it a wonderfully couture level 'folk art' feel. It is stunning and with the extensive documentation it has it is made even more important. Excellent overall condition with notes to review below.

The skirt is backed in a white, fine silk organza and closes at the waist with a zipper and flat hook and eye at the waist. The top is unlined and slips over the head. Both pieces are completely made and finished by hand to Haute Couture standards. There are some small marks on the skirt that get lost in the fabric or are covered by the apron for the most part. There are some small areas of discoloration on the back of the skirt and a water mark that falls mostly under the apron. One small mark on the back of one sleeve. Please see the photos after the label shot

Top
Shoulders: no defined seam
Sleeves: 26"
Bust: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open
Length: 25" from neck to waist

Skirt:
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3729

Reference Photos: (1-3) Spring 1977 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture, photographed by Peter Knapp. (4-6) B. Akerlund and Madonna

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

Geoffrey Beene was one of the great American fashion designers and he was recognized for both his artistic and technical skills. He launched his label in 1963 and a piece from his very first collection landed the cover of Vogue. A Coty award followed a year later and in 1984 the Council of Fashion Designers created the annual Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement award in honor of Beene's fashion legacy.

This is an incredible set by Beene that is made out of a feather light metallic silk lame. The color of the metallic fabric is a combination of a soft turquoise blue shot through with gold thread. The pattern this creates are a little series of squares and each one has a subtle leopard print worked into them. It is just amazing. Especially when you have it in hand and realize just how light and fine the fabric is. The set is made up of two pieces. The skirt is cinched in at the waist and has a pocket along one side. It widens out as it nears the hem and the lightness of the fabric makes it move wonderfully around you when you move. The matching top wraps around you to close, crossing at the front. I have tied it at the back but you could probably wrap it once more and tie it at the front if and ties at the back. On my dress form it ends up to be quite cropped and depending on how you tie it you can have to sit even higher up or slightly lower to close the gap a bit. Excellent condition

Both piece are unlined and the fabric is incredible. The skirt hooks to close at the waist and the top slips on and ties. You could move the hook on the skirt up or down a 1/2 inch or so in either direction and the top is adjustable with the tie. A pocket on the skirt where it hooks.

Top
Bust: to 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam and the ties make t adjustable
Length: 16.5" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 35" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3514

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