Extraordinary 1970s Lanvin by Jules-Francois Crahay Numbered Metallic Sequin Silk Dress

This gorgeous dress would have been designed by Jules-Francois Crahay, who headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. He has been noted as one of fashion’s 'great colorists with his colorful patterns making his 1970s Lanvin designs hugel​y ​desirable and influential.' His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourites for the house. I especially love his work during the 1970s period. He was a genius at print and colour and he pushed the envelope in his work with colour, cuts and his fabric choices. Here he goes full on evening with this sequin number and it is incredible. The Lanvin label is numbered and it is one of the best evening pieces I have seen from him

The dress is made from a black silk chiffon that is backed in a black silk. The outer layer of silk chiffon has an incredible pattern done on sequins that make the entire dress catch he light from every angle. The sequins are a mix of black, gold and a deep copper and they are set in this stacked row design that steps up and follows a grid of metallic cord that lies under the sequins. The cording is done on the same three colours and so the eye just sees the rows of colour run over the dress from head to toe. The sequins have been applied in this dense pattern over the entire dress and it is just incredible. The dress is suspended from two silk chiffon straps that curve over each shoulder. The front neckline is cut straight across and the bodice kept simple. It is cut to fit over the bust and the waist is cinched in. The skirt falls to the ground from there and widens out gradually as it nears the hem. There is a slight gathering where it is inset around the waist and this exaggerates the feeling of a smaller waist beautifully. It also allows for more fullness through the skirt. This is that classic beautiful design whose simplicity lets the sequinned fabric take center stage. It has a very classic Old Hollywood move star feel to it. It's an incredible thing to see and even better once on the body. You also have the option to tuck the straps in one this one and wear it as a strapless dress. The dress is numbered under the fold of the label and when you see that on a Lavin Boutique label it most often meant that the piece was a special order or was a custom made order for a client in the atelier but fitted at the boutique store rather then in Paris. This is a dress that you just slip on and it is perfection. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition.

Fully lined as per the description above. It closes with a back zipper. Lightly boned through the bodice. Numbered tag. Hand finished throughout.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5 from top of shoulder to waist
Length: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4381

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