Ronald van der Kemp Demi Couture Fall 2018 Sculptural Black Dress

Dutch designer Ronald van der Kemp is widely regarded as a creative visionary and a “standard bearer for haute couture.” Each of his RVDK haute couture creations are unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, with only a few of each design in the world. With ardent celebrity fans including Kate Moss, Justin Bieber, and Katy Perry, van der Kemp has an enthusiastic cult following who are perhaps drawn to his ability to relay the particular, authentic, and eccentric. He began his career at Courregès in Paris and designed for many houses including Bill Blass, Laroche, and Celine, before settling in Amsterdam to start his own line.

He was awarded the Grand Seigneur in 2019, Holland’s most prestigious fashion award, and continues to delight and intrigue fashion lovers worldwide with his designs. van der Kemp’s 2018 Fall collection exuded a fierce 80’s attitude with a modern twist and was created from vintage fabrics and upcycled materials.

As seen as look #10 on that season’s runway and in promotional images of Emma Stone for her appearance on Saturday Night Live, this alluring masterpiece of a gown is one of the highlights from the collection. Done in black wool, this demi-couture dress is incredibly rare, as it is one of only two of these dresses (as numbered by hand on the designer label in addition to receiving personal confirmation from Mr. van der Kemp himself that this is indeed one of only 2 dresses ever made) in the world ever made in black.

Size: 40

Size estimate: Medium

Measurements:

Bust: 34- 35 inches

Waist: 28 inches

Hips: 38 inches

Length: 56-65 inches at back

The one sleeve design begins with a distinctive curlicue cut out at the neckline, and a sculptural asymmetrical curve at the back of the bodice. The single sleeve extends past the wrist to create an elegant line and has glossy faceted black button closures at the back of the cuff. The dress falls to a maxi length at the ankles in a magnificent asymmetrical high low hem that cocoons around the ankles, creating a columnar silhouette.

An off center, curvy thigh high slit introduces yet another sculptural element, and is designed as a risqué cut out that reveals both the leg of the wearer and the sumptuous black silk lining of the dress. A rare and highly collectable addition to the discerning fashion lover’s wardrobe, this flawless gown is the perfect choice for a gala, wedding, or special occasion.

This Ronald van der Kemp dress is fully lined in silk with interior boning around the neck to maintain the sculptural elements of the design. The dress closes with a button and concealed zip closure at the back and has button closures at the back of the sleeve. The signed RVDK demi couture label verifies that this dress is one of the only two of these dresses ever made in black. In excellent condition, it has been professionally eco dry cleaned and pressed. High-quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.