1995 Christian Lacroix Runway Haute Couture Lilac Corset and Skirt Set

This ensemble walked the runway as part of French designer Christian Lacroix’s Spring 1995 Haute Couture collection and was put together from two key presentation looks at the request of the client. The set comprises an ankle-length skirt, cropped jacket, corset and belt. The stand-out piece is the strapless corset, crafted with a double-pointed hem that flares over the soft silk crepe skirt below. The corset is crafted from lilac-pink taffeta, expertly padded, and boned the whole way around to hold its shape stiffly. The front fastens with 14 tonal fabric-covered hook-and-eye clasps. Inside, Lacroix’s wizardry is unveiled. The corset is lined with candy-pink silk. It has two pads inside the bust and two pink silk panels with five more hook-and-eye clasps to secure the front further. The detailing across the front of the corset is exquisite; Lacroix commissioned the embroidery from Maison Lesage, a whimsical mix of iridescent pink sequins, rhinestones in diamond, teardrop and oval shapes, and plumes of sheer ombré mesh. The hems of the corset are finished with loop stitches in ivory which have been sewn to sit flush. This meticulous embellishment continues around the bottom of the back of the corset.

The skirt is crafted from matte silk, which has been ombré-dyed and changes from pale grey, through lilac, down to deep aubergine at the bottom hem. It has a high-waist fit, and the waistband slides underneath the corset. It fastens at the back of the waist with a tonal zip and two tonal fabric-covered hook-and-eye clasps. It is fully lined with pale mint green silk. The bolero jacket is tailored from lilac-pink taffeta. It has three-quarter-length sleeves and wide lapels at the collar. It has a pleated curved hem which wraps around the body, revealing the incredible workmanship of the corset below. This curved hem is christened by a pretty bow at the base of the jacket, the soft, curved ears falling over the lower back. The jacket is unlined primarily, however it is lined under the arms and contains slim shoulder pads to hold its theatrical shape. There is a coordinating lilac taffeta belt with oval fabric-covered buckle which sits over the corset and fastens with a hidden gold-tone hook-and-eye clasp. The jacket, skirt and corset all retain the original yellow Christian Lacroix Paris haute couture labels.

All pieces have been expertly preserved and are in excellent archival vintage condition with no flaws to note. The ensemble appears to have been worn just a handful of times. Due to being couture-made, it does not have a size or composition label, so please check our measurements carefully as the fabrics have no stretch. Current fit is a UK 6 or US 2. Our model's sizes are: Bust: 33" (84cm), Waist 26" (66cm), Hips: 34" (86cm) and 5' 7" (170cm) and she's a size UK 6-8, US 2-4. This suit fit her perfectly. 

MEASUREMENTS

BOLERO

BUST - 36 in. (91 cm)

WAIST - 34 in. (86 cm)

LENGTH - 15 in. (38 cm)

SHOULDER - 17 in. (43 cm)

CORSET

BUST - 32 in. (81 cm)

WAIST - 26 in. (66 cm)

LENGTH - 16 in. (41 cm)

BELT

LENGTH - 32 in. (81 cm)

WIDTH - 0.9 in. (2 cm)

SKIRT

WAIST - 25 in. (64 cm)

HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)

LENGTH - 41.5 in. (105 cm)