1990s Perry Ellis Silk Rose Print Slip Dress

Before his infamous 1992 “grunge” collection that resulted in his firing, Marc Jacobs’s work at Perry Ellis reflected a refined take on American sportswear infused with a youthful sensibility. As creative director from 1988 to 1993, he modernised the brand’s preppy heritage with relaxed tailoring, soft knits, and playful layering, gradually introducing a downtown edge that hinted at his later aesthetic.

This dress likely post-dates Jacob's tenure by a few years and is circa 1995 - 2000. It is tailored to a slip silhouette, playing to the underwear-as-outerwear trend that was so in-vogue at the time. It has spaghetti straps and a column silhouette, broken by a seam at the waistband. Below this, the skirt is cut to a flippy, A-line shape that kicks out around the wearer as they walk. The fabric is beautiful; silk-chiffon printed with a pattern of blown-up roses created from two-tones of purple, lilac and a deeper lavender hue. Inside, there is a lilac silk-satin slip. The dress fastens at the left hip with hidden snap closures and a tonal zip.

The dress is in very good to excellent vintage condition; we noted the following on very close inspection: a miniscule peachy coloured mark just above the waistband and a pulled thread diagonally at the back. Neither of these minor issues can be seen when worn. Made from 100% Silk with 100% Silk lining. Labelled a size US 10 but vintage sizes vary hugely so please check our measurements below. Our model's sizes are: Bust: 34" (87cm), Waist: 24" (61cm), Hips: 34.5" (88cm) and Height: 5' 7" (170cm). She's a size UK 6, US 2 and there is plenty of flexibility due to the wonderful bias-cut silhouette and tailoring.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 38 in. (97 cm)

WAIST - 34 in. (86 cm)

HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)

LENGTH - 55 in. (140 cm)