richard tyler

Perfectly Minimalist 1990s Richard Tyler Couture Sleek Sweetheart Neckline Strapless Black Silk Dress

Richard Tyler was the designer to wear in the 1990s. He won the Council of Fashion Designers of America New Talent award in 1993 and 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 wore it on various red carpets. He was known for his impeccable tailoring and finishes and at the time employed some of the best tailor and seamstresses in the business. This is a stunning example of how much impact one of his minimalist pieces could have.

This sleek little number is in perfect condition and is cut beautifully. It is strapless and cut to follow the curves of your body. The neckline dips in a modified, sweetheart, and a seam shapes each cup, and then extends down past the waist all the way to the hem. From there it curves beautifully around to the back. The dress stays in place through a combination of that front shaping of the seams and hidden boning that runs down the sides of the bodice and on either side of the back. The shape through the waist is created by how all the vertical seams are curved over the body. When it is off the body it is cut with the curves built in. The silk skims over the waist and hips and then falls to the floor. The lower part of the skirt actually comes in and narrows down as it reaches the hem and then there is an extremely high slit that runs up one side that allows you to walk and show a flash a bare leg. It looks so simple on my dress form but this is a dress that is a bombshell piece once it is on an actual body. That unexpected flash of leg and the way the dress narrows down is extremely sexy. It is so good. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and closes at the side with a hidden set zipper. Built in inner boning. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a vintage Tyler US4

Bust: 16" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Total length: 51" from top of bodice to hem
Slit: 30" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4768

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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.