The Metropolitan Museum of Art hosted a Jacqueline de Ribes exhibit in 2015-16, giving her work an extra dose of much needed attention. De Ribes was know as 'one of the most celebrated fashion personas of the 20th century'. She began making dresses for herself and eventually opened her own label in 1982 at the age of 53, producing collections for the next 12 years.
This is a gorgeous silk dress that is not in perfect condition but presents very well and the flaw it does have either cannot be seen or could perhaps be hidden in some fashion. It is so well made - most of the inner construction is complete done by hand - and is a fabulous representation of her work, that I know there is someone out there that would bring it back to life. The dress has her signature long and lean lines and in this one that is combined with those dramatic sleeves and a inner foundation that shapes and molds the body. It is made of a high quality silk satin in the perfect shade of ivory. The bodice is fitted with a gentle V front and back and boning built into the interior for support and shape. The waist nips in and then the skirt flows to the floor in one stark column. A high slit at the back allows you to walk despite the lean cut of that skirt. The sleeves are the star of the show and each is an elaborately gathered a draped explosion of silk that gives both height and volume. It is gorgeous and extremely well made to demi-couture standards. Presents as excellent condition but please read the full condition notes below.
Fully lined in a hand set off-white silk and closes with a back zipper. Wide silk waist stay that hooks to close. Light boning through the bodice. All hand finishes and extremely well made. Some scuffing to the fabric here and there but nothing that jarring. There is the one mark on the front by the seam under the waist as photoed. There is discoloring under both arms as photoed. These are hidden by the sleeves completely once on. The fabric could be cut down to eliminate them. I see a small area inside the lining that has torn. The zipper fabric is green and is certainly a replacement made at some point. The color in person is a touch lighter ivory and creamier then how it photoed. It did not zip up fully on my dress form but of course it will on someone the proper size.
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to hem
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3321
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
