• This wonderful and very rare dress is from the the Fall 1986 "Hiver Russe" collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of Thierry Mugler.
• 'Mugler saw the fashion show as an opportunity to build new worlds of fantasy, to tell the story of a heroine on an extraordinary adventure each season.' Early pieces of his work are particularly hard to find. I have included several reference photos from the show of pieces that share similar fabric, pleating techniques and that amazing shell feel of the bust.
• We have also included some try on photos from the original owner that show you how it looks on. For reference she is about 5'4" and a size 0-2
• The twin of this dress is currently being exhibited in the "Azzedine Alaia/Thierry Mugler 1980-1990" exhibit at the Azzedine Alaia foundation in Paris 
• The dress is a masterpiece. This is a design that has been referenced countless times since it was first made but there is nothing out there that can compare to the original.
• It is made from a lightweight gold lurex that is draped and shaped to cover a fitted inner corset.
• This inner corset shapes the body while the exterior of the dress seems to simply glide over your curves.
  
• The bodice is amazing. A weightless knife pleated metallic gold lurex is wrapped around the body to meet in the middle. The bottom portion of this extends and curves down and around the hips where it then flares out to exaggerate your curves. Each breast is held in a high set interior cup and the pleats wrap over these, flaring out in the suggestion of having the breasts cupped and held in place by two shells. A small panel of pleated gold fabric strap sits between the cups for added detailing.
• The pleats curve around the back to meet in the middle there mimicking the front and adding to that hourglass feel.
• The skirt is cut to be fitted and curves in at the hem. 
• Gold coloured snaps close the back and under those lie hidden interior lingerie hooks to close the corseted portion of the interior.
• I love how the entire dress shimmers in the light because of the gold metallic fabric.
• It is a rare dress and showcases his extraordinary approach to the female form and his tendency to made living sculptures out of his models. I have seen pieces selling for the $10,000USD mark and higher recently.
• The skirt is fully lined in an ivory silky rayon and the bodice lined in a the same gold lame used on the exterior. The corset is lightly boned and with formed and sculpted interior breast cups. Above the waist the inner corset hooks to close with lingerie hooks and then the exterior fabric snaps to close over that. A zipper is set below that starting at the waist. I see a couple of minor marks on the interior, a small tear on one side where it was tacked to the inner bodice, and the skirt has been shortened as mentioned above. 
• Tagged a vintage Mugler 38.
  
• Overall excellent condition

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam. 
Hips: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 9" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 27.5" from top of bodice to the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML 

Item# DD5261

Reference Photos: (1) Try on photo.  /  (2-6) S/S 1985 Thierry Mugler Runway.  /  (7) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon.  /  (8-9) "Azzedine Alaïa-Thierry Mugler 1980-1990: Two Decades of Artistic Affinities” exhibit at the Fonudation Azzedine Alaïa in Paris.

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