The Nina Ricci brand was founded in 1932, at 20 Rue de Capucines in Paris and quickly became one of the top couture ateliers in the world. In 1964, Gérard Pipart succeeded Jules-François Crahay, Nina Ricci's former designer assistant, as head of the brand. Over the following three decades, Pipart's couture vision 'celebrated a flamboyant woman and his ready-to-wear found a loyal following among the most stylish women of the day.' This dress Is one of his more quirky pieces and I am obsessed. I have had piece in the shop in the past that has this faux handbag applique but they were all from the 50s and 60s when that was a bit of a rage. I loved finding this 1980s designer version.

This dress is so eighties in every way and I love it. I am almost sad at how it photoed on the mannequin because on person its so much better. And these on the body are fabulous. Dresses like this really need a person in them to come to life. The dress is made out of a fine black wool that has a silk like finish to it. The fabric choice helps to hold the shape and support the applique work done onto it. The shoulders are set wide and there is light padding underneath. Each sleeve is gathered at the top of the shoulder and is meant to pouf a bit. The sleeves narrow down to a gathered cuff that hide a zipper. The body of the dress is full and easy with no defined waist. It simply falls from the shoulders so that the volume is on the top and then narrows down to skim over the hips to a pencil cut skirt. Then appliqued onto the dress is that fabulous faux bag that crosses over one shoulder and down to the hip. The strap is a wide silk textured ribbon that is finished in a flat bow at the top of the shoulder. This angles down to meet the 'bag' made out of a metallic embroidered velvet. The upper edge of the bag is gathered in and finished with a ruffle of a bright blue silk for an unexpected pop of colour. Anther bow sits below that. The best part? It is open at the top so that it is a functional pocket. The final little detail is the inside lining of the collar. It is the same blue as the ruffle on the bag. I love this little hidden secret. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and closes at the back with a zipper. Padding in each shoulder and a hidden zipper at each cuff.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4104

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 wonderful black silk gazaar dress is from the Nina Ricci Boutique ready to wear line. When hunting for a reference to date it by, we happened across a photo from 1972 that has a variation of this dress with a different neckline and no sleeves. I like this off shoulder version even more and love that the photo at least gives you an idea of how the dress looks like on the body. The Ricci atelier was launched in Paris in 1932, with Nina retiring from designing in the early 1950s. Jules Francois Crahay then headed the design team until he left for Lanvin in 1963. Gerard Pipart took over from Crahay and stayed on with Ricci until 1998. This dress would have been made during his tenure with the house. It is an incredible example of the work being done by the label during this time period and might be my favourite Ricci dress in the shop to date.

The dress is made from a beautiful black silk gazaar that feels like it has been treated so that it holds its shape and volume even more then it normally would. The fabric has a very fine woven feel to it and just a touch of transparency that keeps it feel light and easy. It has just enough weight and structure to be able to create the impressive lines and volume that you see but without making the dress heavy or bulky to wear. The photos really do not give it full justice and it is an integral part of the design of the dress. The bodice is cut to skim over you to the waist. Running along the edge of the neckline is a 6" wide ruffle. This falls from the elastic finished edge and puffs softly around you. The elastic that runs through the top edge of the neckline allows you to wear the dress off the shoulders leaving you bare. Long sleeves sit under that and they each end in a full circle of fabric to create a pretty 4.5" ruffle. The waist nips in and I have added a grosgrain ribbon that I will send with the dress that allows you to cinch the waist in further. The skirt falls to the floor from there and has yards of fabric in it that create the fullness and volume that you see. The skirt falls in a gently widening line and is finished by a 9.5" ruffle that goes all the way around the hem. The dress has a simple silk taffeta skirt underneath and I did not add any additional  crinolines. The volume you see is achieved solely by the cut and the fabric choice. It is incredible and I love everything about it. Excellent condition

Lined in a black silky rayon through the bodice and the a black silk taffeta through the skirt. The sleeves are unlined. The dress closes with a back zipper. The grosgrain tie belt is not original but will be sent with the dress. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. It is even better in person.

Sleeves: 20" from the top edge to the end of the ruffle. Meant to sit off shoulder. The upper arm is 12.25" around
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from top of the center of the neckline to waist seam
Skirt: 43.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4052

Reference Photo: Robert Ricci, with two models in Nina Ricci evening wear, UK, October 1972.

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