Guy Laroche began his fashion career under Jean Desses in 1949 and by 1957 he had opened his own atelier. He made extraordinary pieces of couture that spanned simple day-wear to elaborate evening pieces.Here we have one of his day pieces that could potentially be more cocktail wear with a quick change of shoes and accessories. It is stunningly constructed and in museum quality condition. It is also a wonderful example of the high end work with a difficult fabric - a bias cut silk crepe. It is two separate pieces, both made of a deep navy silk. The inner dress gives the wearer the feeling of some inner structure and has the ruffled collar that you see peaking out from the simple neckline of the exterior dress. It is a true inner dress though with panels of a denser silk used in the areas that would need more coverage. The exterior is made of the single silk fabric and is kept starkly simple but with incredible seaming details that remind me of the 1930s in feel. It is all cut on the bias so naturally drapes and hugs the body once one with a bit of a flare at the hem of the skirt. A fabulous piece and in excellent, museum quality condition with a tiny note on that below.

Both pieces are unlined with the inner dress acting as the lining for the outer. Each closes with its own hidden set, side painted metal zipper. Note that some of the seams are loosening. Normally I would have them all tightened but since it is true Haute Couture I have left it as found. There is a darkening to the fabric on a couple of small areas to the inner dress - this does not show once on - and the very slightest of press marks here there to the seams. Hate couture tag on the interior of the outer dress only. The silk does have some stretch to will accommodate another inch at least to all the measurements listed below

Inner
Bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from neck to hem

Outer
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from neck to waist
Skirt: 26" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2514

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