Christian Lacroix launched his Haute Couture house in 1987 and his work was instantly adored and revered world wide. He defined an era and he was crowned the King of Couture. A ready-to-wear line soon followed along with perfumes and menswear. His Couture collections in particular were always exotic lavish affairs. He drew his inspirations from across the decades and I doubt there was ever a more high glamour couturier. This dress is very special and a stunning example of his work during this time period. It has all the signature Lacroix drama that you could ask for. It comes to me from the original couture client. This is his Luxe label that was only produced the first couple of seasons. It was very high end, expensive ready-to-wear that was made to near couture standards. We found a photo of a dress with a similar cut from the 1988 Couture runway. It is said that this label only lasted a couple of seasons because some of the couture clients complained on how close the garments were to their Haute Couture. 

This dress is not perfect but I am hoping a collector or someone that can look past its flaws sees the magic in it. The fabric is still strong and wearable but the bright lime green colour has faded and changed to yellow in areas. Because is runs over the entirety of the dress to various degrees it almost seems to make a statement on its own so I think the right person could pull this off and make it feel intentionally done. A statement against perfection if you will. The dress is classic Lacroix from his early years. The dress is sleeveless with wide straps that curve up and around the shoulder. The bust is meant to be fitted and the neckline is set wide and scooped at both the front and back. It is seamed just under the bust so has that empire feel and the skirt is shaped under that to have a bubble feel. This is achieved by the deliberate wide curved cut through the hips and by the way it is set into the waist with those generous soft pleats. The fabric is a light silk but has been given a puffed effect that helps to hold the volume and shape that you see. Hidden pockets sit on either hip. On either side of the waist are two buttons and then there is a separate removable panel in the same fabric. You can curve this panel around you in a multitude of ways, using the buttons to hold it in place. I have photoed a ton of ways I thought of and I bet there are more possibilities. The color is a vibrant lime green. Proper Luxe demi-couture tag present and this comes from the original couture client. The fabric is sound and wearable but has fading throughout. Please read full condition report below and above. 

Fully lined in a matching green silk organza. It closes with a hand set side zipper. There are two buttons on either side and the matching panel that you can use too change the look of the dress has two corresponding loops at either end. Pockets on each hip. The fabric has slight fading in areas and some areas have lightened to a yellow. The photos are a fair representation of the dress and I have added three after the label shot of the worst areas that have yellowed. 

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 24" from waist to hem
Panel: 58" long and stretches from 7"-11"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3565

Reference Photos: (1-3) Spring 1988 Christian Lacroix Collection.  /  (4-5) Spring 1988 Couture Christian Lacroix Runway Collection.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.