Givenchy Haute Couture Velvet and Taffeta Dress with Rolled Neck, Fall 1978

Haute Couture black velvet and embellished lace top long sleeve dress with tubing along the neckline, black and orange taffeta gathered skirt, and center back zipper closure.
Label: Givenchy
Size Label: Unlabeled
Style/Serial No.: 61026

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 14.5"
Chest: 36"
Waist: 27"
Hips: 40"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 57.5"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 30"
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 very good structurally though there are some minor points on the tube collar where the pile of the velvet has flattened and the tube appears to have been reattached after a repair on the back right neckline. There are some small holes in the neckline where the stitches have pulled free and the left shoulder has some weakened threads just under the neckline. There is some light internal soiling under each arm with each having had the under arm replaced with similar lace patches and there is some minor bead loss throughout the bodice leaving hanging threads in each location. There are some popped stitches on the front right waist where the overskirt is attached to the black under skirt and there is some flatted piles on each side seam at the waist. There is some light soiling on the back hemline of the orange overskirt and there is a large rip in the orange organza lining on the back panel to the left of the center back seam. 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.