1988 Documented Christian Lacroix Couture Rose Print Dress

A true treasure, this incredible dress walked the runway as part of Christian Lacroix’s memorable Spring 1988 collection. This rare and highly collectable piece is from Lacroix’s short-lived Luxe label. Conceived as an ultra-high-end ready-to-wear line, Luxe pieces were constructed to near-haute couture levels and sold almost exclusively to couture clients or by special order. An identical dress was captured in photographs from the designer’s atelier during this period.

The dress combines technical brilliance with theatrical flourish, and features a colourful and bold rose print in the finest silk embossed organza. The magnificent construction is a combination of machine and hand stitching of the very finest quality. The dress is lined in white silk with handmade shoulder pads for precise structure, and there is a white taffeta silk underdress that is integrally made with its own secondary fastening zip. The outer organza dress zips up over the top of the taffeta underdress, and the arm cuffs also have wrist zips for ease of access. This piece has a beautiful, tailored shift construction and a show-stopping mini fishtail on the hem that incorporates the fabric of the dress. There is an overlaid additional black triple-folded train to complete the look -  a cheeky detail typical of the exuberant designer that made it a delight to behold on the runway. The dress fastens with a hidden white zip and hook-and-eye at the back. This incredible dress is a rare example of Christian Lacroix’s early designs: exquisitely made, recognisable to those in-the-know, and of archival significance. 

The condition is very good to excellent with only very gentle signs of wear. There are no faults of any note. It is marked a French 40, which is a UK 12 or US 8, but vintage sizes vary hugely so please check our measurements below carefully. It is labelled 100% Silk and the fabric has no stretch. We believe this would best fit a size UK 10, US 6. 

MEASUREMENTS:
BUST - 36 in. (91.5cm)
WAIST - 30 in. (76 cm)
HIP - 38 in. (96.5 cm)
LENGTH - 36 in. (91.5 cm)
SHOULDERS - 16 in. (40.5 cm)