S/S 2001 Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture Backless Jewelled Runway Dress

At the age of 31, Stephane Rolland took over as Artistic Director for the Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture atelier, making him the youngest of the 20 official couturiers at the time. That was in 1997 and he continued as the head of the Couture division until the last showing in 2005 when the house closed is couture atelier. This gown is from the Spring 2001 Haute Couture presentation and is the actual runway defile sample presented and worn on the runway, Look 36.

Have any Haute Couture creation in the shop is always a pleasure and to have the actual runway sample is wonderful. This gown is exceptional and I am grateful to have the runway photos of this piece to show you just how it works on a real body, because the photos of it on the dress form really do not do it full justice. From the front you are entirely covered in a black silk stretch jersey that hugs your every curve. It is sexy yes, but because of the shape underneath the fabric not because you are exposed. But, turn around and that changes in an instant. The back of the dress is cut out and open so low that it borders on being scandalous. The entire back is left bare and it extends down the back as low as Rolland dared to go. A gold leather, jeweled cross shaped strap holds in the sides and keeps the shape of the dress so that it perfectly contours to the body. The neckline is cut high and intricately wraps and hooks into place. Trailing out and behind you is a long panel of fabric that extends out from one side of the dress to create a train. A loop lies along one side of that train so that you can pick it up and hold it if needed. This hides a high slit that runs up the back that gives a flash of leg when you walk and also allows you to walk. The jersey is unlined and it is cut on the bias so that is hugs and highlights every curve. The cut and fit are done with a masterful hand and the final result is absolutely beautiful despite its shocking expanse of skin at the back. It is an incredible piece of modern Haute Couture. Excellent condition with one small note to review below.

Unlined and skips on. The neckline wraps and hooks into the place and the back waist strap also hooks into place. Hand work throughout and made to runway sample standards. The hand written runway sample tag is present. There are some very minor teeny repairs to the fabric near the lower seams of the hem, a slight dustiness across the shoulders and a see a couple teeny pills to the fabric - all extremely minor but mentioned for accuracy. The fabric has some stretch and it is one dressmakers size 6 dress form - it easily stretched enough to fit that but would easily fit a smaller size too and just not stretch as much.

Bust: 15-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 11- 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 14-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 62" from shoulder to front hem and approx 85" from shoulder to longest point of the train
Back Opening: extends down to approx 26" from the neck
Cross: 8" high x 9" from full side to side that shows

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3070

Reference Photos: S/S 2001 Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture Collection, Look 36. Model: Inga Savits.

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