loris azzaro

Incredible 1970s Loris Azzaro Open Gold & Black Bead Waist Dress w Halter Top & Bare Back

Loris Azzaro launched his label in 1967 and quickly defined his trademark looks by using ornate beading, sequins, daring cut-outs and avant garde ways of defining the body. Some of the most beautiful women in the world wore his clothing including Marisa Berenson, Raquel Welch, Jane Birkin, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Tina Turner. It was a label that defined sexiness and had a certain French flare that women world-wide loved. By the seventies and eighties he was experimenting with volume and proportions and new fabrics that at the time were all cutting edge. This is a stunning example of his work during this period. This is a label that I really love and am always happy to find pieces of.

This is a killer dress. It is really one that will come to life even more once on an actual body and you can see your bare skin peeking through the waist openings. I hope the photos convey just how fabulous it is because when worn and on an actual body this one will be even better. The top is made from two simple triangles that curve up and around the neck and then narrow into straps that dip down the back. The waist is entirely made out of a pattern of beads done in a combination of black and gold. The spaces created between the curving rows of beads are completely open so that you get your bare skin peaking through once it is on. This bead detailing starts just under the bust and runs all the way around you to the waist seam. At the back it ties into place which just adds to the bare feeling the dress has. It also makes it adjustable from larger to small bust-lines. This transparent coverage is where that mix of sensuality and sexuality that his work always has becomes so apparent. The skirt under that is made from a bias cut black opaque silk jersey that sits and drapes beautifully around you. When you walk it moves and there is this beautiful contrast with the length of the skirt and the bareness of the top. It brings all the emphasis to the curves of your body above. If there was ever a dress that needed a body inside of it to bring it to life, this is it. It is stupendous once on. Excellent condition

The skirt is fully lined in a black silky rayon and the rest of the dress is unlined. It closes with a low back set zipper on the skirt and then ties up the back above that. One of the circles seems a little unmatched to the rest but it still lays perfectly fine once on. Please see the photo after the label shot. Tiniest bit of reside on the back of the halter from old taping. 

Bust: adjustable with the ties at the back and each triangle will provide up to approx 7"across in coverage 
Waist: 12-13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 44.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3580

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

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SIZE GUIDE

Please review all measurements carefully. More often than not, vintage garments do not fit any size category exactly. If in doubt, measure a garment of your own that fits and is a similar cut and compare it's measurements to the listed measurements below.

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