2005 Lanvin by Alber Elbaz Plunge Neck Black Satin Velvet Necklace Dress

Albar Elbaz was top designer at Lanvin for 14 years. With a blend of sophistication and experimentation, Moroccan born Elbaz is credited with bringing the late 19th century French fashion house back to life. This artfully deconstructed dress is prime example of his design acumen. Made from a weighty satin that drapes like a drink of water, the dress is an unusual blend of undone and haute couture.

Constructed with unfinished and reversed seam allowances, the plunging neckline and arm openings have soft edges that contrast with the luster of the fabric. A combination of pleats and gathers curve up to meet the base of the neckline, forming a modified empire waistline that pulls the hem up along with it. The understated high-low hem is turned and finished. Pleats extend around the waist, with hidden pockets integrated into side seams. A center back opening is fitted with an eclectic variety of crystal, pearl, and satin buttons, heightening the tension between carefully planned and random.

Elbaz finishes the ensemble with a seemingly small thing, but the coiled velvet necklace transforms the beauty of the rose into something dark and temperamental. In October of 2015, Vogue’s Nicole Phelps aptly describes how Elbaz transformed Lanvin, “… from a moribund century-old house into one of Paris’s hottest tickets on the strengths of his dressmaker bona fides and his own charming personality.”

Size estimate: M

Size: 40

Measurements:

Shoulders: 17 inches

Bust: 37 inches

Waist: 30 inches

Hips: 40 inches

Length: 43 inches

This evening dress by Alber Elbaz from Lanvin’s 2005 winter line is in excellent condition. A unique aesthetic of unfinish directs the construction and of the skirt is pleated into the raised waistline with additional gathers at center front. The waistline is attached with the details; the plunging neckline and arm openings are left without facings and linings. The fullness seam allowances to the exterior.

A center back opening that extends down to hip level is secured with a series of buttons that vary from satin covered, to crystal, to pearl. A coiled velvet rose necklace falls down to the waist. The luxuriously weighty silk satin is unlined. This garment has been professionally 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.