Maison Martin Margiela White Label Black Leather Zipper Dress, 2012

Maison Margiela is an experimental fashion house founded by Belgian designer Martin Margiela. The house’s style embraces a deconstructionist aesthetic often using strong materials such as canvas and leather all while showcasing raw edges and exposed zips. Margiela has on several occasions evoked a sense of performance art through his creations questioning materiality and the ephemeral.

From the Spring 2012 collection, (runway look #28 and #35) this black calf leather sheath dress represents the house’s aesthetic. The structural leather is carefully molded through detailed seaming to create soft, rounded shoulders and a definitive hourglass silhouette.

Nodding to the deconstruction vibe, the leather is distressed giving it the further effect of being shaped and molded. Falling to ankles length a back and front slit are present allowing for ease during walking given the contoured fit through the waist and hips. Complete with a high standing collar, this edgy style presents the demure in a femme-fatal package.

Size: 40

Size estimate: Small

Measurements:

Shoulders:

Bust: 34 inches

Waist: 27 inches

Hips: 34 - 36 inches

Length: Top of bodice to waist seam: 16 inches

Length: waist to hem: 44 inches

The dress closes down centre front with a centered zip that can close all the way to the neck or all the way to the hem if desired. This dress is unlined and can be worn alone or layered as seen in the runway photo. 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.