While researching this stunning dress I found the photo I included here of a dress from 1971 that the same lines and ruffle details. Based on the other work Mr. Givenchy was doing during this time period it makes perfect sense that this would be from that year's collection. In addition, I found a numbered tape inside the seam of the skirt and it may very well denote a special or custom order.

At first glance the fabric appears to be a metallic silk brocade, but as you go closer you realize it is even more special then that. It is actually a fine and very light weight woven netted lace with a blue metallic lurex thread running through the design. The play of the metallic thread against the non-metallic bits adds its own texture to the already textured lace. The fabric has just a touch of transparency to it and I love the unusual deep deep blue of it that has just a touch of purple to make it even richer in feel. Once you get past the sheer brilliance of the fabric you begin to notice the workmanship that has gone into constructing this. The bodice is cut to skim over the bust from the rounded neckline and then it cinches in at the waist. The dress comes with its original belt that can cinch the waist in more. The sleeves are long and are finished with a ruffled the wrist that creates a beautiful little bell shape. The skirt falls to the floor from the waist and gently widens out as is nears the hem. It is finished with a wide ruffled detail that ties on the ruffle on each cuff. It is stunning and even better in person. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

The bodice is unlined and the skirt is fully lined with a blue silk organza. It closes at the back with a fine metal zipper. Inner waist stay hooks to close. The belt closes with hooks. There is the teeniest of marks along the inner edge under the seam at the inner arms but they do not show through. Please refer to the photo after the label shot. There is a numbered tape along the inner skirt seam that I also photoed. Note that if you required more length it would be possible to move the ruffle down as it is set higher up the skirt rather then at the very edge of the hem. I think you could get a good 6" more in length. The sleeves are set the same way.

Sleeves: 24.5"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 40.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3167

Reference Photo: Jours de France Issue 844, 1971. 

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

The twin of this dress is held in the permanent archives of The Metropolitan Museum. It would not surprise me to find out that these were the only two version made of this dress as true Haute Couture pieces were never prodiued in any significant quantities. It is as wearable now as it was when first made and feels very modern. It is entirely finished by hand and is from the time period when the house was run by Hubert de Givenchy himself. Finding vintage examples of Haute Couture is always very special and this is a wonderful, well documented piece showcasing Givenchy's work during this time period.

The dress is made of a deep blue grey silk crepe. It is cut with a strong nod to the classic Grecian silhouette that leaves one shoulder exposed and bare. The construction details throughout the dress are exquisite. The bodice has been gathered by hand to create a series of soft gathers that run from shoulder to waist and follow the cut of the neckline as it angles up towards that single shoulder. This adds a beautiful texture to the bodice of the dress without having to divert from his chosen color or fabric. The waist is defined waist by a slim cut gold leather cord that wraps and ties to add shape. The skirt falls below this in a slim column to the floor. Set over the skirt is a panel of fabric that is cut so that it angles softly down one side, picking up the angle of the shoulder. Slipping over this goes a cape, made from the same fabric. No shortcut was taken in the construction and it is a stand out piece in every possible way. Even better in person. Excellent condition with a few small notes below to review.

The dress is fully lined in a hand set blue silk of very high quality. There is a wide waist stay that hooks at the inner waist. It closes with a hand set, side painted metal zipper and from the waist down there are hidden set snaps that close the fabric of the skirt over the zipper. The bodice is lightly boned and there are small pads handset inside the bust. The cape is unlined and slips over the head to wear. There are some light snags in the fabric here and there and some small areas pf darkening on the skirt overlay - the snags are most noticeably on the back of the skirt near the bottom - these are seen most when it is laid out flat but once on the color and placement make all of them negligible. It is mentioned for accuracy and taken into consideration when priced. Haute Couture tape label #55417

Dress
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder strap to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Cape
39" from neck to longest point of hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2767

Reference Photo: 1973 Givenchy Evening Dress from The MET Collection.

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

With the recent passing of Hubert de Givenchy, pieces that were made while he still headed the atelier seem to be even more special. This dress is gorgeous with its vibrant color palette. It mixes a floral print and pretty colors for a bright, fresh feel. Worked into the printed silk are a scattering of gold hearts that are made out of a metallic thread. These give the dress a subtle shimmer. as they catch the light. Anchoring the print is a solid blue silk satin edging that is used at the cuffs and neckline. The sleeves are quite full and puff out above the buttoned cuffs. There are three full layers that make up the skirt. The top layer is cut on the bias cut and is a silk chiffon. The inner skirt is a tissue silk and between the two is a layer of silk organza that helps to give the skirt a touch of volume. Excellent condition with one small note to review below.

Fully lined in a yellow tissue silk with the sleeves left unlined and an extra layer of yellow silk organza through the skirt. It closes with a side painted metal zipper below the waist line and fabric covered snaps above that. The front buttons are functional. Each cuff buttons to close. There is the smallest amount of fading to the blue silk on the upper neck on one side as seen in the provided photo. Hand finished. Hand written tag and marked as a size 38

Sleeves: 25.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2629

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

This Givenchy Haute Couture dress is as chic and wearable now as it was when first made. It is entirely finished by hand and would have been made under the direct supervision of Hubert de Givenchy himself. Haute Couture is the very pinnacle of the fashion experience and this is a wonderful example of his work.

The dress is a stunning affair made of a brown silk chiffon that has dots covering its surface. Each dot is made form a metallic lame thread woven through the silk and these vary in color from gold, to silver to copper.  This gives the dress a beautiful glow in the light as you move. The construction details are wonderful. The bodice has been pleated by hand to create a series of vertical pleats that run down the center of the dress at the front and the back. On the sides of the dress the fabric is left unpleated and this small detail adds tremendous texture to the dress. The shape is loose and easy so it can be worn by almost any body type. You could also add a belt to change the shape if you wished. It falls to the hem in a column of light silk. The sleeves are soft and full above their buttoned cuffs and the collar is accented with a squared off mink fur collar. No shortcut was taken in the construction and it is a stand out piece. Proper Haute Couture label and numbered tape. Excellent condition.

The dress is lined in a hand set brown silk with the sleeves unlined. It closes on the interior silk lining with a hidden hand set, painted metal zipper that is hidden under the edge of the pleats at the back. The sleeves button to close.  Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely done by hand. Haute Couture tape label #59349

Sleeves:  approx 25-26" but there is no set shoulder seam
Shoulders: approx 15" but there is no set shoulder seam
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner lining waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner lining hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 51" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML, maybe a MED if the bust works

Item# DD2936

I have a small collection of historically important, key designer labelled vintage furs, fur trimmed & feather pieces stored away in my archives that I will be slowly posting on the site over the next couple of years until I have none left. I will no longer be buying furs for the shop moving forward and have not purchased anything for several years now. I feel like times have changed and while there still is a place for vintage furs for some, including collectors and historians, many modern girls are choosing other options. Many of the pieces in my collection are representative of the designer during a set time period in history that was different then our modern outlook. I have decided that the best course to handle this controversial issue is to let the pieces I have go rather then sit in a cold storage unit. All fur coats, fur trimmed & feather pieces are final sale

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

This particular coat from the Givenchy label is not only wonderful but a little unusual. It is made of an unusual fabric that feels almost coated. I think its a cotton mix that has been finished with a waterproofing material perhaps. This gives it a really odd texture that is not unpleasant just different. Its hard to describe but when you have it in your hands you will agree I am sure that it is unique. The treatment of the fabric also helps it to keep its wonderful structured feel and the soft taupe and white abstract pattern combine it make it a fabulous statement piece. The effect created by these two elements is dramatic and beautiful. The coat itself has classic lines with a pretty notched collar and an A-line cut through the body. It is extremely well made with a silk taffeta lining and all the buttons are properly finished. I love the thick round silver tone buttons that run down the front in a double row. It is absolutely gorgeous in person - better then the photos portray. Excellent, appears unworn condition

Fully lined in a chocolate silk taffeta. Proper finished buttonholes and interior buttons to keep it perfectly in place when buttoned. Appears unworn. Hand finishes. Tagged a vintage 38 but please check measurements

Sleeves: 22.5"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# C414

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

This is truly one of those extraordinary Haute Couture pieces that every collector and vintage lover needs to own in their collection. Everything about this piece is perfection. It is in perfect condition and is as chic and wearable now as it was when first made. It is entirely finished by hand - you can clearly see the hand work down to set the lining into the dress. Haute Couture is the very pinnacle of the fashion experience and I would hazard to say that vintage versions are even a little more special then modern ones.

The dress is a simple shift with simple straps that curve up and over each shoulder. It is constructed with vertical seams that gently create the curve of the dress so it skims over the body with a slight flare as it nears the hem. There are little hidden silk lined pockets along the front seams. The fabric is a heavier silk cotton mix and it has enough weight so that Givenchy was able to sculpt the shape he desired. The floral design with its white and orange coral print is brilliant against the blue background. The jacket is as fantastic as a stand alone piece as it is as the completion of the set. Domed and jeweled buttons adorn the front and I love the neat cropped cut and slight flared cut just under the waist seam. No shortcut was taken in the construction and it is a stand out piece in every possible way. However much you think this looks fabulous in the photographs it is infinitely better in person. Excellent condition.

The dress is fully lined in a hand set blue silk of very high quality. Proper finished buttonholes. The jacket closes with two jeweled buttons with all their stones present. The dress closes with a hand set, hidden set painted metal zipper that runs along the side seam at the back. There is a small faint yellow spot on one of the flowers of the skirt and on the top of one shoulder - neither were dark enough to capture on film and are mentioned for accuracy only - they in no way deter or change the value of this magnificent example of Givenchy's Haute Couture work. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely done by hand. Haute Couture labels present #51113 and #51112

Dress
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 39" from shoulder to hem

Jacket
Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 20.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2366

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