Givenchy Haute Couture Embroidered Skirt Ensemble with Fur Trim, c. 1977

In the late 1970s, the 'peasant' look swept runways, and in 1977, Givenchy offered a collection filled with heavily embellished fabrics and luxurious fur trims.

Haute Couture purple silk chiffon two-piece skirt ensemble embellished with gold metallic thread and beads, blue velveteen leaves, and faceted sequins, including a mink fur trimmed top with front neck tie, flared sleeves, and flared hem; paired with matching long flared skirt with center back zipper closure.
Label: Givenchy
Size Label: N/A
Style/Serial No.: 64172

Approximate Measurements:
TOP
Shoulders: 14.25"
Chest: 42"
Waist: 44.5"
Hips: 47"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 23.5"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 28"

SKIRT
Waist: 27"
Hips: 36"
Length (side waist band to hem): 44"
Property from the Collection of Countess Anita von Galen
This lot is one of sixty-seven in this auction from Countess Anita von Galen, a German aristocrat and socialite known for her avant-garde sense of style and brilliant entertaining. Over the years, the Countess von Galen has used her visionary eye and a penchant for unique silhouettes to build an extraordinary collection of haute couture. She considered Hubert de Givenchy (Lots 1-18) and his partner, Philippe Venet, also a couturier (Lots 19-20), close friends, with Givenchy designing the baptismal gown (Lot 1) for her only son, Ferdinand Otto von Galen. Beyond her friendship with the couple, Countess von Galen was an ardent supporter of emerging, avant-garde designers including Pierre Cardin (Lots 25-48), Kansai Yamamoto (Lots 61-62), and Yohji Yamamoto (Lot 63).

Condition:The overall condition is good though there is some bead loss to the center front seam near the hemline, loose threads on the front right chest, sleeve at elbow and under seam, and the front neckline has had the neck tie quickly stitched at the opening though the hook and eye closure is still intact. The skirt has some loose threads in the embroidery along the front hips, more so on the right side. The center back and side seams appear to have been let out with a 1.5" separation on the right hip seam, and the hemline appears to have been let out. There numerous small brown spots on the back hem.Everything is sold 'As Is'. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email us with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.