Gorgeous 1980s Victor Costa Silk Taffeta Plaid & Feather Strapless Dress

Victor Costa launched his label in 1974 and was known for producing versions of what was seen on the Paris runways. Costa chose good fabrics for his designs and even though his work was often very close interpretations of other designs he did add his own unique twist when it came to colours, cut and fabrics. Some of his work is quite lovely and this dress is a really great one. I am in love with it!

This is a favorites of all the Victor Costa pieces I have had come into the shop. The dress is well made and striking. It is made from a stunning bright plaid silk taffeta that gives it 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. It also gives the dress the most amazing slightly iridescent finish. As you move and the fabric catches the light it lets the colours really pop and it is quite a stunning detail in itself. The bodice is fitted and strapless and cut to curve and shape the bust. Circling around the top portion of the bust is an elaborate feather finish. The feathers have been dyed to match the red green and black used in the print. It just really highlights the gorgeous colours and adds to the festive feel the dress has. The waist nips in and you could easily add a tie belt or more structured belt 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 pleated ruffled that goes all the way around the hem. I love how the back of the skirt is a touch longer so you get incredible movement when you move. And it has pockets. All the shots you see here were done with no added crinoline underneath but you could add one if you wanted it to be even fuller. I love everything about this dress. Excellent condition

The bodice is fully lined in a black silky rayon through the bodice and the skirt is unlined. The bodice is lightly boned and shaped with stiffening fabric. The dress closes with a back zipper. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice ruffles to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to front hem, 49" to the longest point of the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4059

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.