Background & information
In the early 2000s, Ralph Lauren often took inspiration from the fashions of the 1920s-30s for his eveningwear pieces (both in design and fabrication). Following the previous Spring collection, for instance, the VOGUE critic wrote that Lauren’s “outfits [] could sail straight into the closet of a latter-day Daisy Buchanan.”
The influence of Deco-era designers like Jeanne Lanvin is obvious in Look 39 from the Spring 2006 collection, largely because of the opulent corded lace used to create it. The cording thread is made of true metal, giving the fabric a visual texture, color, and sparkle that synthetic fibers cannot match. I have only seen a lace like this on a handful of occasions because it is challenging and expensive to create. Real metal threads are usually reserved for royal and haute couture garments. The lace makes the dress immediately stand out as something special and remarkable.
Look 39 has a halter neckline, fitted bodice, and flared skirt. The metal lace is stitched on a base of tulle, which is layered over a champagne bias-cut silk-satin underdress. The shape and cut of the dress are unmistakably 1930s, even if the length is not.
True couture craftsmanship is evident not just in the lace, but in the dress’s construction. For examples, the lace panels were placed carefully and deliberately so that they are perfectly symmetrical and mirrored throughout the garment.
This rare, special dress is an investment piece, and we are thrilled to have it in our collection.
Size & measurements
This dress is a vintage size 2, which roughly equates to a modern size 0. Because the back of the dress is open and the hip is loose, the waist measurement should be used to determine fit. The waist measures approximately 25".
Condition notes
We are known for the excellent condition of our vintage dresses, but because they are vintage garments, they will invariably contain some indications of age. These are unavoidable.
This dress is in very good vintage condition. The condition notes are as follows:
Because the lace is made of true metal, there is some green tarnish around the hook and eye closure at the base of the neck where metal is meeting metal. This is primarily on the interior (lining).
One seam on the lining required repair because it had split. Other seams have been reinforced to prevent additional seam splitting.
As is common with corded lace, there are some loose ends where the cording thread was cut before moving to a new area when the lace was being made. This is normal in a vintage lace garment.
It presents beautifully overall and is ready to wear.
