Ted Lapidus began selling his designs in the 1950s in Paris. By 1963 he was an official member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture and he debuted his Haute Couture label in addition to his already high end ready to wear. This dress is from his initial, main ready-to-wear line that commanded very high prices in its day and is not to be confused with the later boutique line. It is beautiful.
This is a wonderful example of how romantic his work could be. The dress has a soft and flowing feel to it yet it is fitted through the waist and constructed to be flattering on the body and give you shape. It is made of a silk chiffon that has a ribbon weave fused directly into the silk. This gives it a thatched woven effect. In between the ribbon weave the silk is semi-transparent and the play between the two opacities is stunning in person. The body of the dress is backed with a black lining but where the dress is unlined through the upper bodice and sleeves you really see the square pattern the ribbon silk creates. To highlight the design that this creates even more, the fabric has a thin strip of gold thread that runs along the edges of the ribbons. This catches the light and gives the dress a subtle shot of extra glamour. Inside the bodice is a simple tank that is suspended by tiny straps. The top of the dress is set over this so that it blouses over the waist. The neckline is scooped and that sleeves are cut to billow over the cuffs. The waist nips in and then the skirt flows out from there to the floor. Yards of bias cut silk are used in the skirt and it is very full when you move. To finish the dress there is a stunning floral print that runs over the bodice on both sides. More flowers run down the front and the back of the skirt. This pop of colour is fabulous and it would have had to have been all pre-planned before the construction of the dress was done so get the flowers to lie just so. The dress is very well made and even better in person. On an actual body where the fabric can really move and flow it is fantastic. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a painted metal and nylon zipper on the interior and then the exterior buttons to close over that. Each sleeve buttons to close.
Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 14"
Inner bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner lining hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist but meant to drape a touch
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD2884
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.