gucci
Iconic Spring 2003 Gucci by Tom Ford Runway Cherry Blossom Kimono Mini Dress
The Vogue review of the Spring 2003 show was extremely complimentary. This was at the height of Ford's vision for Gucci and he could do no wrong. The review said 'The Gucci girl’s got legs—long, tan, flawless ones striding along on silver peep-toe sling-back pumps. Follow them all the way up, and around two weeks later, they eventually meet the hem of the minutest piece of clothing that was ever called a skirt or dress. For spring, in a word, Tom Ford says short. Using lustrous fabrics in subtle makeup colors from blush to tawny brown, pearly gray and silver, Ford draped and wrapped his gorgeous girls in clothes that navigated that dangerous Gucci line between innovation and vulgarity. The tousled hair, the jackets and tops poised to fall off shoulders—the whole presentation stirred sensations that fashion hasn’t felt since the last days of the great supermodels. Still, don’t think tacky. Ford’s obsession now is integrating fine workmanship into abbreviated silhouettes. He took the idea of a kimono and portrayed it first as a simple silk beach cover-up, then as an elegant formfitting dress, painstakingly made from hand-painted strips of silk. He brought couture finesse to racer-back feathered dresses with the merest flip of a skirt. And with lightest touch, he wove white and rose gold into fragile ribbons to tie around wrists—the most modern-looking jewelry in Milan. When Carmen Kass closed the show in a dress made entirely of the same precious ribbon, it was a confident statement in the power of glamour. And fashion needs that.' To this day this is one of the most recognizable and desirable shows to find pieces from.
One of the things that makes this dress exceptional is that it is true to the runway and is entirely original. I have seen this dress come to market before and most are the more conservative versions that don't drop as low at the back as the show version did. (There is a photo of Sarah Jessica Parker in that version that I have not included here but it is out there to google). Many of the ones that you see were also altered and if you looks closely they don't have the same original stitching at the hem and at the ends of the sleeves like this one does. It also still has its original elastic across that back which was meant to keep it in place on a hangar and in the body. Most women removed this before wearing so is very rare to see one still with this in place. You can see it in the runway shots too. The dress is meant to be worn short and the jersey stretches so accommodate the hips so that it stays in place. The rest of the dress just blouses over loose and easy. I have shown it on the dress form the way it is meant to be worn and like you see on Frankie in the runway shots and also extended it to its full length so that you can see the full pattern on the dress. The top is loose and easy and is meant to be worn low down the back. It almost creates a ruffled effect. The front sits as low as you wish it to and you can also wear the dress slouched off of one or both shoulders. The sleeves have wide openings on either side and again the more conservative version was more covered with a more narrow opening. This is an incredible piece of the Tom Ford history with the brand and is one of the most recognizable pieces from his tenure with the label. It's an incredible piece of fashion history given that it is true to the runway version. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.
Unlined and slips on the wear. Tagged a size Large but the jersey has stretch and should accommodate a variety of sizes. It is very hard to measure with the stretch factor so I have given the comfortable range laying flat.
Bust: approx 19-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: approx 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: approx 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 37" from top of shoulder to hem but can be pulled up as short as you want
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD3707
Reference Photos: Spring 2003 Gucci Runway Collection, Look 3. Model: Frankie Rayder.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Please review all measurements carefully. More often than not, vintage garments do not fit any size category exactly. If in doubt, measure a garment of your own that fits and is a similar cut and compare it's measurements to the listed measurements below.
