Like the other Lacroix I have in the shop, here again we have an extraordinary dress from his Spring 1988 collection. It is quintessential Lacroix with the all the drama and extravagance that made the fashion press swoon. No matter how lovely this looks on the mannequin I cannot convey how it transforms on a real body and the endless details that are revealed when a real girl moves in this - like the black ruffle trim that edges the separate crinoline underskirt - when you sit or move this peeks out for a little unexpected sexiness. It is cut to leave the shoulders bare and cinch in the waist above the sculpted full skirt. It has the innocence of the fifties mixed with the drama of the eighties and the decadent details of the 1700s. It is impeccably constructed inside and out with seaming and buttons that hug the curves and highlight the bust. I love the bare shoulders and how he finished each with elastic so they hug and adjust to your frame. It is made from a cotton pique - an unusual choice for a couture piece and one that would have been extremely avant garde for the time period. It buttons down the front with large faceted glossy black buttons. The skirt is full and sits over a inner pouf crinoline. Striped silk ribbon dances over the skirt for the perfect contrasting detail. It is fantastic. Excellent condition and appears unworn.

In 1987 Christian Lacroix opened his Couture atelier and became the toast of all things fashion. His poufed skirts were the rage and came to define the era. His signature style was that of dramatic excess and a flamboyant, over-the-top look that was immediately copied and lusted after world-wide. These first few years were the height of all things Lacroix and even though his brand eventually shuttered due to an over-indulgence in licensing and diffusion lines, these early pieces represent the best of his genius.

Fully line in a hand set black silk and buttons down the front. It comes with its original crinoline underskirt that hooks into place. This inner skirt is made of a stiffened black nylon net edged in horsehair and with a black silk ruffle trim along the bottom. Tagged a size 38 but of course check the measurements below

Dress
Shoulders: the opening will adjust from 17" - approx 19" flat across
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 33" from middle top to hem, if this had a proper shoulder seam it would be approx 35-36" in total length

Inner Skirt
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 20" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2462

Reference Photos: (1-4) Spring 1988 Christian Lacroix Collection.  /  (5) Photo of guests celebrating Christian Lacroix's Couture Collection At The Pool Deligny In Paris, July 1988.

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