Chanel Paris-Byzance Gold Silk Godess Maxi Dress, 2011

Through an intimately curated salon runway show, the pre-fall 2011 collection for Chanel explored the flair and glamour of Byzantine influence. With a focus on the historic Empress Theodora, creative director for Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, merged the gold and bejeweled senses of the ancient Turkic region with the demure, clean-lined style of classic Coco Chanel.

Draped from a pure silk, this gold dress features classical draping that strike across the bust and shoulder. The crisscrossing of the pleats in the front and back add dimension and shadows that soften the intense luster making it all the more stately. Throughout there is a columnar silhouette that can be adjusted by the belt that is sewn in just above the hip. The layered flounces and the dropped waistline elongate the wearer in a statuesque manner. As seen on the runway in the images above, this dress gleams with elegance and an ancient world charm.

Size: 36

Size estimate: XS/S

Measurements:

Bust: 30 inches

Waist: 30 inches

Hips: 36 inches

Length: 60 inches

At the shoulder, there is a square brooch that echoes of the traditional fibulas worn to fasten garments. Despite this historic nod, this dress closes at centre back with a zip and hand set snaps. Unlined, this dress is in very good condition with a few marks near the back hem. 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.