Christian LaCroix launched his Haute Couture house in 1987 and was instantly adored and revered. A ready-to-wear line soon followed along with perfumes and menswear. His collections are always an exotic, lavish affair and his inspirations spanned the decades with their eccentric, exotic glamour. His atelier closed in 2009. This dress is from the Spring 2003 collection. I love that for production they went with this stunning color rather then the graphic black and white that it was shown in for the presentation that season.

This dress is wonderful with its bias cut that hearkens back to the Old Hollywood days of high glamour. It is made entirely from a fine, bias cut silk. The color combination is gorgeous, with a deep raspberry red mixed with pink. Part of the pattern has large dots that curve over the surface and highlight the cut of the dress. The fine, curved seaming done on the dress is a nod to the type of costumes being worn by starlets of the 1930s and designers working with bias cut fabrics like Madame Gres and Madeleine Vionnet. It really has that same feel once on but the graphic dot print in those vibrant colors gives it a modern touch. The bias cut and curved set seams allow the dress to both hug the body and still move with you so it is extremely light and comfortable when on. The bodice is hand draped across the bust with one side cut to sit a little higher. The dress is suspended from a tiny strap on the side that dips down, while the higher set side curves up into a wider strap. At the back it is the wider strap that dips low down the back to leave an expanse of skin while the thinner strap acts to anchor the fabric higher on the back on that side. It is cut to curve around your body, skimming over the waist and flowing softly into the long skirt. The construction of the skirt is remarkable. High slits sit on either side of the front panel of the skirt for a peek of your legs. At the back of the skirt, there is an extra panel of silk set over the inner skirt. This panel cascades down the back and extends into an offset train of silk to one side, perfectly balanced by the wider strap. It is absolutely beautiful and a dream to wear. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a matching pink, textured silk chiffon and closes with a hidden, side set zipper. Tagged a size 42. Finished to demi-couture standards. The bias cut will allow it to fit a larger range of sizes, though if you are small busted and a smaller frame you will almost be sure to have to adjust the straps to fit perfectly. Note the color on the mannequin is closest to the true color.

Bust: 15-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 63" from shoulder to front hem, 73" to end of train at the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD2803

Reference Photos: (1) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon. Cherie is also wearing a 1920s Reversible Cape (sold), (2) Christian Lacroix Spring 2003, Look 5.

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