This is a lovely dress by Alber Elbaz for Lanvin. Alber joined Lanvin in 2001 and served as the labels Creative Director until 2015. His first break as a designer came when he landed the senior assistant role at Geoffrey Beene. He stayed there for seven years until he was recruited to design for the Guy Laroche label in 1996. in 1998 he took over the Rive Gauche ready-to-wear for Yves Saint Laurent for three short seasons. A stint at Krizia and then a break happened before his time with Lanvin. The Alber years for Lanvin are ones that are much loved by all and with his recent passing owning these pieces seems even more poignant. 

This is a lovely and easy to wear dress. The simplicity of it makes it so very versatile and I love the deep blue colour of it. It is not quite a navy and it has a touch of a smoky blue feel to it. The colour is softer then a true black and you can pair so many other colours with it. A dress like this is truly one of the most versatile pieces you could add to your closet as the possibilities of how to wear it are endless. The cut is very simple. It is made from a very good silk that has a lovely drape. You simply slip it over the head and there is a row of buttons down the front that you can wear open or fully closed. The dress skims over and away from the body and it is quite generously cut. The genius is in the extra long tie belt that you can wrap around you and add as much shape as you wish. The silk is so light and easy that it is a dress that should fit a range of sizes because of the amount it can be cinched into, or not cinched in, is quite a range. The sleeves are long and button at each cuff. It is really a gorgeous dress and very well made. Excellent condition 

Unlined and slips over the head to wear. It buttons partway down the front and each cuff buttons to close with two buttons. 

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 45" neck to hem
Belt: 120" end to end 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3793

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 the twin of the dress that was worn by Judy Garland in 1963. It is tiny and I would like to think that somehow it is that exact same dress but I have no provenance to be able to prove it. What I do know is that this is one of Garland's most iconic photos and that the dress is incredible. having the photo also gives you an extraordinary example of just how fabulous it is on the body.

Norman Norell dresses were not only extremely chic and sophisticated, they are also cut with exception mastery. Every line and seam is placed exactly where it should be to flatter the body and create an air of sophistication. This particular dress is a fabulous example of just that and the lines of it are amazing. It is a chic wool jersey sheath whose fabric has a bit of texture to it and has a long and sleek line to the cut. The neckline is squared off and the sleeves are capped. There is an attached piped belt made of the same fabric that ties, and defines, the high set empire waist. From there it falls in a sleek column that gently widens out as is nears the floor. It closes off side and with a tightly spaced row of black buttons. These start at the square neck and run all the way down, ending with an open vent below the last one so if you choose to do a drama pose in it like Judy did, you can! Don't be fooled by it's simplicity - it is seamed and constructed to couture levels and the finishes within it are superb. I love it. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a fine black silk and closes at the front with the buttons as shown. The attached belt ties into place. Proper button holes finishes on all. Hand finished throughout and made to demi-couture standards.

Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10.5" from shoulder to seam under bust
Skirt: 42" from neck to hem, with 2.5" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3377

Reference Photo: Judy Garland in Norman Norell by Richard Avedon, New York, January 7 1963.

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