Iconic Fall 2017 Celine by Phoebe Philo Look 15 Runway Black Fringe Dress w Open Back

I think at this point in time everyone pretty much recognizes certain Celine pieces from the Phoebe Philo days and this fringed black dress is one of those iconic looks. This was Look 15 in the Fall 2017 show and was one of two looks in the show that had this fringing detail. The second was for look eight where she wrapped a fringed scarf under a long jacket and over pants. When the collection went to production they also made a dress with sleeves that had this same fringe at the bottom. This one I have today is the twin of the one that was shown on the runway. On the runway they styled it with an added ivory under skirt that peaked out below the fringe. Without that under piece you will see a flash of skin through the fringe as you walk. This show is interesting to research as it is the second show after the Pre-Fall one where Phoebe went completely silent. She once again offered no press quotes, gave no background on her inspiration and was not present at the press previews. It drove the press mad and reviews that you can find online for this time period make that quite clear... but her loyal fans loved here even more for it. Her work has spoken for itself ever since and still garners the same devotion from her fans if not more.

This is such a beautiful dress. You just slip the halter neck part over your head, zip it to close at the back and walk out the door. It is in a black fabric that has some slight weight to it so it holds the shape very well. The neckline is slightly asymmetrical where it slips over your head and at the back of the collar it's notched so that it sits comfortably on the back of your neck. It skimmed down and over your body widening out as it nears the bottom seam before the fringe. At the back it's zippers to the side to follow a seam set there. The back is scooped and open and it is also cut on a slight asymmetrical curve. These are the small little things that people love about her designs. She has these little details that are so subtle but they have this wit and quirkiness and work perfectly to give her pieces that signature Phoebe vibe. The dress falls loose and easy over the body and then is that killer fringed bottom. The fringe that you usually see on things is almost always a braided cord but for this dress it is actually done with an ultra a fine black thread. Hundreds of thousands of threads are attached all around the bottom and they are so fine and light that they give it is incredible movement. They are also amazingly soft in feel. There is a tactile sensation that you just don't get with the fringe out there that you usually see on pieces. And it has pockets. This is the genius of Phoebe where she manages to have something be so perfectly simple and easy and yet have so much drama at the same time. I love it. Excellent condition 

Unlined and slips on to wear with a hidden set zipper set offside at the back. Tagged a Celine 38. Pockets hidden along each hip. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: 16" flat across with no true side seams
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 62" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4159

Reference Photos: Fall 2017 Celine Runway, Look 15. Model: Birgit Kos.

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