This fabulous caftan dress would have been designed by Jules-Francois Crahay, who headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. He has been noted as one of fashion’s 'great colorists with his colorful patterns making his 1970s Lanvin designs hugely desirable and influential.' His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourite periods for the house. I especially love his work during this period. He was a genius at colour and he pushed the envelope in his work with his cuts. This caftan dress dates to the earlier part of the 1970s and it is incredible. It is numbered and the inner seams are all edged and finished by hand. I love that it could easily worn by just about anyone with the way it is cut. It is just incredible.
The caftan is cut to be big and oversized so it is exceptionally easy to wear. It's generous and open cut will suit a large range of body sizes and types. On a smaller frame it will have an over-sized feel but could also easily work on larger frames. No matter what size underneath this incredible piece will billow and float around you as you move. The sleeves are cut to be very wide and full and billow out above the elastic at each cuff. The neckline is so unusual. It is gathered up into an elastic around the neck line that has a ruffle about it. This creates this interesting draping and soft pleating texture on the green silk just underneath the neckline. He then dropped another seam below that top portion with another ruffle that runs all the way around the shoulders. This gives you this off shoulder feel even though you're completely covered up to the neckline. It's so unusual and so beautiful. From there it falls to the floor widening out to be quite full as it nears the hem. It is cut to be very loose and easy through the body. The caftan is a made out of a spectacular printed silk that has a paisley pattern running over it that is insanely beautiful. At the hem it has a wide felt finish that gives weight to the hem so that it holds the shape and gives that sense of volume. I love that inside that hem it is trimmed with a silver lame ribbon on the top and the bottom. This is a detail that you don't see right off but as you walk or sit you get that tiny flash of silver. For some of the photos I added a green velvet ribbon to show you how dramatically the dress changes by adding a belt to add shape. I love that you can wear this loose and easy as a caftan or by belting it you suddenly have a dress that feels like it has a completely different look. The colours combine of different tones of green with a deep red and pops of white. It is just spectacular and so beautifully made. All of the inner seams are finished by hand and this is a numbered couture piece. This is an exceptional piece of Lanvin during this time period. Excellent condition
Slips over the head to wear with no closures. Set the net and both cars. The silk is very light in weight. The belt is not original to the dress but will be included. The loose and easy cut should work on a variety of sizes.
Sleeves: approx 27"
Shoulders: no true shoulder seam
Bust: to 33 " flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist- hips: open
Length: 60" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-XL, OSFA
Item# DD4157
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
