Beautiful 2001 Richard Tyler Ivory Silk Chiffon Corset Dress w Gathered Back

Richard Tyler was the designer to wear in the 1990s and early 2000s. He won the Council of Fashion Designers of America New Talent award in 1993. In 1994 and 1995 he won the Council's Womenswear Designer of the Year award. Julia Roberts, Janet Jackson, and Sigourney Weaver were just a few of the stars who loved his work and his dresses made regular appearances on the red carpet. He was known for his impeccable tailoring and finishes and at the time employed some of the best tailor and seamstresses in the business. I know the date on this one because my client wore it for her wedding. It is a stunning dress.

The dress is absolutely stunning and so flattering. It is from his wedding line at the time but could also be worn now for any event. Its simplicity makes it very versatile. This dress is absolutely dreamy. It is made out of an ivory silk chiffon and then there are two more layers of a cream silk under that. At first glance it looks strapless but there are actually these two skinny little straps that are set to sit on the outside of your arm and off the shoulder. The upper bodice is corseted and shaped underneath to bring in the waist and create that beautiful line. The chiffon has been draped over that so you get a soft feel at the neckline. This corset bodice and those little straps give it a touch of a regency era feel that I love. It  creates the most gorgeous effect. The waist nips on and then the skirt is cut to narrow in an down to the floor. When it reached the floor it is then scooped up on a curve to around the back where it is gathered up the center. This modern bustle effect is further exaggerated with layers of the two silk left to cascade down the back. The gathered parts are set so that they give shape around the hips and then you get that fantastic sweep of ruffle down he back. The lightness of the silk layers keep it from looking bulky but you have volume and drama at the same time. It is the best of both worlds. When this is on and you are walking the effect that this creates is absolutely gorgeous. It somehow manages to feel sexy, romance and feminine all at once. It is a tremendously beautiful dress. Excellent condition with a minor note below

The inner bodice has a full boned silk satin corset. The dress has two layers of silk and zips to close at the back. You could wear the straps tucked in for a full strapless look. There is the slightest darkening to the fabric at the back. It is very subtle and I think its mainly the shadow of the fabric underneath as it changes in different lights. Mentioned for accuracy.

Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam with about a B cup
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of natural shoulder to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to front hem, 47" to the longest part of the back hem