1997 Christian Lacroix Haute Couture Runway Blue Lace Dress and Jacket

This rare, haute couture ensemble was made by Christian Lacroix and walked the runway as part of the label’s magnificent Spring 1997 Couture runway show, paired with a headpiece and parasol. It comprises a strappy knee-length dress and coordinating jacket. The jacket is tailored from shot silk in an elegant champagne hue. It has an open collar and a curved front which reveals a panel of champagne voile appliquéd with lace and ribbon work in champagne, cream, peach and pale pink hues. This panel of lace looks like a top worn underneath but in fact is a part of the jacket and secures the front with tiny hook-and-eye clasps like a corset. The jacket has long slim sleeves with puff-shoulders which add angular shaping - typical of the designer. Across the rear, it has a curved panel detailed with tonal quilting that curves around the sides and greets the lace at the front of the jacket. It is lined with pale pink silk and has sweat guards under the arms.

The dress is tailored from pewter-blue shot silk, overlayed with a top layer of sheer white lace embroidered with gold metallic thread. The bust is finished with a panel of champagne voile appliquéd with lace and ribbon work in champagne, cream, peach and pale pink hues - to match the panel of lace at the front of the jacket. This panel is lined with beige silk chiffon. The straps are composed of lace lined with beige silk chiffon also. Internally, it is luxuriously lined with smooth pewter-blue silk. Under the bust sits a narrow boned corset which fastens under the left arm with hook-and-eye clasps. The dress fastens under the left arm with a hidden tonal blue zip. The jacket and dress both contain the original yellow Christian Lacroix Paris label.

Both pieces is in excellent condition with no flaws of any note. Due to being couture-made, it does not have a size or composition label, so please check our measurements carefully as the fabric has no stretch. Should fit a size UK 8-10 or US 4-6.

MEASUREMENTS DRESS

BUST - 34 in. (86 cm)

WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)

HIP - 36 in. (91 cm)

LENGTH - 38 in. (97 cm)

MEASUREMENTS JACKET

BUST - 36 in. (91 cm)

WAIST - 32 in. (81 cm)

LENGTH - 20 in. (51 cm)

SHOULDERS - 17 in. (43 cm)