A rare and remarkable late 1950's to early 1960's Haute Couture evening gown by Guy Laroche. A true black tie gown in a sophisticated silhouette. This is an exceptional collector's piece as it marks the era of the embarkment of the '60s where we see the lavish luxury of Laroche's designs begin to blossom. In this era of Laroche, Europe's elite and cinema bombshells such as Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot were coming to the French couturier for a heavy dose of glamour. We see he this cropped overblouse silhouette used throughout late 1959, and we estimate this to be of 1959 or 1960.
The sleek column gown is composed of a black silk satin bodice and sleeves with a fully beaded figure from the empire waist to the hem. The dense beadwork is arranged in a swirling black and white floral filigree motif. The detail work is truly mesmerizing. The black beaded background is profoundly intricate with a diverse assortment of black beads arranged in a paisley pattern. There are about five different beads in use in differing shapes and shades ranging from black to dark gunmetal. The white floral filigree motif is created with icy crystal white beads and bright optic white beads.
The gown is constructed with a three quarter-sleeved integrated overblouse cropped just under the bust at the empire waist. The built-in bolero is designed with a sweeping scooped neckline to beautifully display the décolletage. True French Haute Couture, hand-finished construction of the 1959–1964 era. The gown is structured with a built in foundation with boning from the bodice to the waist in an attached corsetlette. Complete with a silk organza backing. The gown zips closed down the back. The attached bolero blouse zips closed separately at the back as well. There is a modest side slit on the right side for ease of movement. This is an exceptional collector's piece.
Great condition commensurate with age. There is a small point of fray at the seam of the right arm of the exterior of the silk overblouse.
The bolero overblouse is attached to the bodice of the inner gown at the neckline and the tops of the shoulder straps. This could potentially be removed if desired. We are showcasing thisHaute Couture piece as it came to us. The bodice of the inner gown features a wide, square neckline with a darted bodice.
Fits like a modern US size 0 or 2.
Measurements:
Bust: 32”
Empire Waist: 25"
Waist: 24”
Hips: 35”
Length: 59"
Shoulders: 16”
Sleeves: 16"
Bolero Pit-to-Pit: 35"
Side Slit: 16.5"
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