Documented Spring 1977 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture Brilliant Silk Skirt & Top Set

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.