1970s Stavropoulos Couture Black Silk Chiffon Cocktail Dress

George Stavropoulos was known for his evening wear and his signature looks often involved draping and the use of multiple layers of silk done on a bias cut. He focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. It was said that his gowns "seemed to float on air". He launched his label in 1960 and soon was dressing women like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Barbra Streisand and Maria Callas. His dresses were made by hand and to couture standards. By the early 1980s a gown by him started at around $8500 and they went up in cost from there - that starting price point equals to around $26,000US in today's dollars. So when you buy a vintage Stavropoulos gown you are getting incredible value for your money. The only reason his work is not under the Haute Couture category is because he was not an official member of the association.

I love the light and airy feel of the dress that is created by the yards and yards of silk chiffon used in its construction. Working in this type of fabric is already difficult and this would have taken many hours of work to execute the making of this dress by hand. The silk is cut on the bias and this gives it a lovely movement and makes it very comfortable to wear once on the body. The bodice is made up of two attached pieces, an inner, more fitted top that is suspended from the shoulders by two tiny little silk straps and a loose and billowy caped overlay. The caped overlay is cut on a curve that it attached along the waist lines and then curves up with slits for your arms and then curves back in towards the neckline. A slit runs from the neckline to mid-back at the back. It blouses over the waist when on and it creates a very pretty effect with its slight transparency. The waist is nipped in. Below that the skirt is made up of five full layers of silk chiffon, all cut on the bias to have full movement and drape. It widens out to be quite full by the time it reaches the hem so that when you move you get an unexpected bit of volume. It is very beautiful. Excellent condition

Fully lined in black silk chiffon with the top cape overlay left unlined. The skirt has five layers of silk chiffon. It closes with a hand set, painted metal zipper on the inner bodice. Immaculately constructed. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The bias cut allows for some range in the measurements as indicated below

Bust: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 50" from top of shoulder to hem and will come up a little when on due to the bias cut

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3032

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