Avent Garde Fall 1991 Karl Lagerfeld Suspended Sleeve Dress w Flat Silver Sequin Detailing

This dress is from Karl Lagerfeld's own label. He launched his self-named label in 1984 and I believe this dress is from the early 1990s. Pieces from his personal label were far edgier then the work he did for Chanel. It was a label where he explored a more avant garde feel with his designs and pushed the envelope more. This is a fantastic example of that yet is still cut with the sharp tailoring and flattering lines he was known for.

The dress is made from a black crepe that is light in weight and falls beautifully once on the body. The body of the dress is cut in a simple silhouette with a full length skirt, a simple bodice and straps that curve up and around each shoulder. The waist is seamed and detailed with a panel of the same fabric that has been gathered in a band that runs around the waist to the back where the back buttons in place over a zipper. The sleeves are spectacular. Each is suspended from a flat strap that is attached to the top of each shoulder strap. These swing over the front of your shoulder and then you slip your arm through the attached sleeve. Another strap is set at the back of the neck extending out from each side. Once this strap is hooked together it cleverly holds everything perfectly in place so the sleeves don't fall down your arms. I love how this leaves your entire upper shoulders bare and how the edge of the top of the sleeves perfectly lines up with the top of the bodice. The sleeves have a wide panel of flat rectangular silver sequins around the elbows and again at the wrist for a pop of metallic flash. The cuff under that flares out slightly and there is an extra high slit that runs up one leg. This is a dress that really needs to be on to fully come to life. It is spectacular. Excellent condition with a note below

Unlined except for the front bodice panel which is lined in a black silk. It closes at the back with a hidden set zipper and buttons. The neck strap hooks to close behind the neck. Hidden set zippers on each cuff. Light boning through the bodice. I see one of the silver sequins missing and two that are cracked or broken. There is minor pilling to the fabric on the sides of the bodice. Please see the three photos after the label shot. Priced in mind of these small flaws. Tagged a vintage 38

Sleeves: approx 25"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to dropped seam above hip
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem
Slit: 28" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3407

Reference Photo: Fall 1991 Karl Lagerfeld Runway. Model: Yasmeen Ghauri.

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