This fantastic dress is from Karl Lagerfeld's own label. He launched his self-named label in 1984 and I believe this one is from the early 1990s. The aesthetic of his namesake brand combined a Parisian feel with a touch of rock-chic. A look that perfectly describes this dress

The dress is made from a black synthetic crepe that is light in weight and falls well once on an actual body. The cut is long and lean. Through the body the cut is fairly simple with a long, full length skirt, a simple bodice and straps that curve up and around each shoulder. The waist is highlighted by a panel of the same fabric and it is gathered  for a cummerbund effect, a signature theme that you find in many of his pieces. It is through the upper shoulder sand sleeves that the dress really comes to life. Here the straps form a  cage effect around you and then wrap around the back of your neck. The sleeves are suspended from a strap and this leaves a wide cut out all around the upper shoulder. I love how the edge of the top of the sleeves perfectly lines up with the upper edge of the bodice. Each sleeve has a wide panel of rectangular silver paillettes circling around the elbows and then again at the wrist. The cuff that peaks out from under the lowest band of silver is set so that it flares out slightly. An extra high slit up one side is the perfect finish. This dress really showcases Karl's genius with fabric and cut and is a wonderful example of his earlier work. Excellent condition with a note below

Unlined except for the front bodice panel which is lined in a black silk. It closes at the back with a hidden set zipper and buttons. The neck strap hooks to close behind the neck. Hidden set zippers in each cuff and boning through the bodice. I see one of the silver sequins missing and two that are cracked or broken. There is some light pilling on the fabric under each arm. Tagged a vintage 38

Sleeves: approx 25"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to dropped seam above hip
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem
Slit: 28" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3407

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

Pauline Trigere launched her label in 1942. She had moved to the US from Paris in 1937 and her designs always have that bit of a French feel to them. By 1949 she had been awarded a Coty and won one again in both 1951 and 1959. The 1959 win coincided with being inducted into the Coty Fashion Hall of Fame. She as a pioneer in the use of cottons and wool for evening, In 1961 she made headlines for being the first major fashion house to use amply an African American model. The 1972 collection used variations of the floral motif all through it and I believe that this dress us from the spring of that year.

That gorgeous tulip print that has been done in a brilliant green set against a inky black backdrop is the first thing you see. The fabric is a fine semi-sheer cotton voile  that feels like it has a touch of silk in it as well. The fabric choice holds that brilliant color beautifully. The touch of transparency to it combined with setting it over the inner black lining gives it a bit of added depth and really allows the green to pop. The top is has simple lines with an almost box cut through the body. There is the subtlest of gathers along the shoulders for a little bit of detailing. The sleeves are a single unlined layer of the fabric and have elastics at each wrist. This allows then to have a slight balloon effect once it is on. It snaps to close down the front with hidden set snaps and they begin at about the bust area. This then tucks into the skirt whose front is cut in a kind of modified sarong. The front knot that you see is built into the front of the skirt's design and this leaves an little cut out above and below the ties. The skirt then falls from there in one long and lean line. A very high slit runs up the center of the skirt. This is one of those pieces that may look like nothing special off the body or on the dress form but once it is on an actual body it comes to life. It is an unusual design and quite forward for its time period. Excellent condition with one note to review below

Both pieces are lined with a semi-sheer black silk voile except for the sleeves. The top closes with a series of hidden set snaps at the front and elastic in each wrist. The skirt zips to close with a flat hook and eye on the waist band. There is a little tag that says front on the waist band and I believe that it is meant to flip in when on but could easily be worn like a normal band if you moved the little front tag. There is the teeniest of pulls to the fabric above the first snap of the top. With the print and where it is it is negligible. Please see the last photo after the shot of the label 

Top
Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust-hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 44" from waist to hem
Slit: 25" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3397

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