A bi-color, black and sapphire blue, chiton-style, Grecian-inspired evening dress designed by Haitian-American designer Fabrice Simon, owned by Audrey Hepburn.

A Fabrice black and blue pleated Hellenistic-style full-length pleated evening dress. The late seventies dress is composed of polyester and designed in a cylinder shape and has an elasticated gathered neckline and under bust with long black silk cord ties at the shoulders. The gown's overlay of pleated black rectangular panels is a nice contrast to the sapphire blue under-layer seen at the side slits and the dress's hem. The gown is labeled "Fabrice, Saks Fifth Avenue, Park Avenue Room." There is a hand-written label glued under the designer label reading, "'Lighthouse' ASS. Blind, DONATED By Audrey Hepburn."

The lot is accompanied by a Lighthouse sale receipt, dated October 26th, 1981, a hang tag reading, "Blind Ass. 59th St. NY 10022, Lighthouse/ Donated by Audrey Hepburn,” and a yellow shop price tag, marked $18.00.

Fabrice Simon's designs were known for their intricate hand beading and graphic design details, dressing Whitney Houston and Shirley MacLaine. Simon won the prestigious COTY award in 1981, his bright-colored silks, iridescent bugle beads, and geometric patterns created flamboyant looks that permeated stylish social circles of New York and Los Angeles.

This item originally came from the collection of Anne Greaves. Anne’s love for vintage fashion and couture started when she inherited a 1920s gown from her great-aunt. This started her lifelong collection of luxury garments from the 1890s to the 1980s. She frequently visited New York in the late 70s-early 80s, attending Light House Charity 'Posh Sales' at 111 East 59th St, a charity whose benefit went towards helping the visually impaired. Celebrities who donated to the charity were: Joan Crawford, Anthony Quinn, Peter Cushing, Jackie Onassis, and Lauren Bacall (who was the same size as her). The items she purchased from Lighthouse came when possible with the original receipts and shop tags.

Bust: approximately 81cm (32in)

PROVENANCE Lot 206 "Passion for Fashion," Kerry Taylor, June 18, 2018.