1980s Arnold Scaasi Couture Black Velvet Rosette Dress

This exuberant 1980s to early 1990s evening dress is by Arnold Scaasi and is made to couture standards. It is from his most exclusive range which was only available in his New York salon.

A soft V-neckline at the front and rear forms an off-shoulder, sweetheart shape. The couture, silk blend fabric is the star of the show - festooned with polka-dots, some in tinsel-like metallic threads and others formed from velvet, it is adorned in places with fabric flowers. Scaasi’s ability to manipulate fabric is seen in the careful drapery with ruching adding detail to the sleeves, skirt and shoulders. The voluminous skirt holds its shape due to stiff tulle stitched into the hem and multiple layers of tulle. Beautifully lined, the interior conceals padding at the chest and a boned waist, creating a highly feminine silhouette on the wearer and finishing below the knee for most. There is a concealed zip at the back with a hook-and-eye clasp at the top. This piece is in truly excellent vintage condition and will fit up to a UK 12-14 or US 8-10. It looks unworn! 

This dress was roomy on our model, size UK 8-10 and 5ft 11in (180 cm).

NOTES ON THE DESIGNER : Arnold Isaacs, known as Arnold Scaasi, was a Canadian fashion designer who designed dresses for a number of First Ladies including Mamie Eisenhower, Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush. Other Scaasi fans were Barbara Streisand, Joan Crawford, Ivana Trump, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Lauren Bacall, Elizabeth Taylor & Catherine Deneuve to name a few. His designs were noted for their tailoring and he became synonymous with glamorous evening wear and cocktail dresses.

MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 36 in. (91.5 cm)
Waist - 34 in. (86.36 cm)
Hip - 48 in. (122 cm)
Length - 39 in. (99 cm)