Circa 1987-1990

France

Elegant long evening dress in satin and velvet by the House of Nina Ricci directed by Gérard Pipart in the glamorous style of the late 1980s.  Strapless dress draped in electric blue or royal blue silk satin, with a V-neckline at the bust, long puffed sleeves at the shoulders and zipped at the cuffs, punctuated by two large braided bows, in the characteristic style of this great Parisian house. The long skirt, slit on one side, is in black silk velvet panne and is emphasised at the waist by a pleated drape in blue satin, with a double zip at the back of the dress. The bustier is unlined, with the label's logo over it reading Nina Ricci, Haute Boutique Made in France, marking its specificity for luxury ready-to-wear. The skirt is fully lined in black silk pongee. There are no visible flaws, holes or stains, as this dress has probably been worn little or not at all. Very good colour and condition.

Dimensions: Equivalent to size 38-39 France. Height 150 cm, shoulders 38 cm, sleeves 68 cm, chest 90 cm, waist 72 cm, hips 90-94 cm

Gérard Pipart is a famous French fashion designer who, after working for Chloé, took over the reins at Nina Ricci for 35 years from Jules François Crahay in 1963. Gérard Pipart left his mark on the style of this Parisian luxury house, combining beautiful fabrics, romantic draperies and a sense of cut to create a graceful, sophisticated and natural femininity. The Nina Ricci haute boutique label remained one of the Parisian musts for luxury ready-to-wear in the 1980s and 1990s. In 1987, Gérard Pipart was awarded the 22nd Dé d'Or de la Haute Couture for his Spring/Summer collection, crowning his career as a couturier.