Fabulous Spring 1974 Andre Courreges Sculpted Abstract Heart Print Dress w Ruffle Detailing

This is a remarkable example of Courreges and the work that Andre was doing during that time period. I know we often associate his work with very mod and short pieces but he also did many dramatic pieces in fabrics like this. It is a highly glossed, thicker weight, smooth finish cotton. At the time this would have been extremely experimental. I love that this one takes the shape that we so closely associate with him and extends and exaggerates it to full length. This dress would not have half the impact it has if it was shorter. I am sometimes more excited to find these bolder and more unusual pieces from him then the more common mod feeling ones. A version of this one was also photoed just after the Spring 1974 collection was shown. Having documentation on it makes it even more special as so many of his pieces don't have any.

This beautiful dress is made out of a coated cotton in an ivory and it is just absolutely stunning. Onto that is a print that is done to look like it was hand painted onto the fabric. I love that the print looks like little abstract hearts though I have to say that some of them almost have the feel of little curled up cats too. Many of his pieces are a play on volume and proportion and this dress is an amazing example of that. It is a dramatic piece that has a slightly more bare and fitted feel through the upper bodice and then flares and widens out very dramatically to the hem. The fabric is light in weight but has enough weight to it to hold the shape. The exterior has a coating that gives it a slight sheen and then inside it is lined in an ivory muslin. The slight sheen combined with the absolutely superb seaming details and ruffles create a fabulous look. All of the seams are set vertically to help add to the feeling of length. The bust drops into a V and it actually zips up at the front along the seam so that the zipper is hidden. Following the neckline is a double ruffle in an organza in two different shades of brown. The organza is finished along it's edge so that it has a bit of structure and can stand outwards from the dress. The same ruffle treatment runs around each opening for the arms. I love the little bow at the base of the neck too. It is just the sweetest with it's shaped and curving feel. It is an extremely collectible and rare dress. It looks to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition with a small note below

Fully lined as described above. It zips to close at the front at the base of the V neck. Tagged a Courreges B. In its original length. I see one small area of spots near the hem and some grubbiness to the interior neckline, otherwise it appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: to 18" flat across the back from seam to seam
Waist: to 15.5" flat across from seam to seam
Hips: to 20.5" flat across from seam to seam
Length: 59" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3974

Reference Photo: Model in Courreges, November 1973.

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