The Shrimpton Couture Archives

Adolfo started his career under Balenciaga and, like Halston, he was a successful milliner before opening his own fashion house. He became know for his Chanel inspired suiting and beaded pieces. Adolfo often did custom work for his clients who ranged from the Duchess of Windsor to Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Gloria Vanderbilt and Nancy Reagan. He even won a Coty Award in 1969. I love his work and this is a gorgeous dress.

This dress is entirely covered with thousands of beads and sequins. It drapes and sits on the body in a very balanced way despite the elaborate work on it. The cut of this dress is a very flattering one shoulder silhouette. The base fabric is a fine black silk chiffon over a black silk and then it is lined in a silk. The one side curves up and over the shoulder and then from there it curves gracefully across the back. The shoulder strap is an extension of all of the design, so there is no break to the eye. The edges of the neck line around the one arm and the hem are all finished with tightly, spaced bead work. It's over the bust and there is no seam at the waist. It simply skims past the waist, coming in a little bit for shape and then curves out over the hips. The dress falls to the floor from there and the skirt widens out a touch as it nears the floor. A slit runs up one side for a flash of leg to show as you move or sit. The beads are set onto the silk in a gorgeous design that runs over the dress from top to bottom. The designs are clustered and the work sits up and off the silk for a slight 3D effect. I love the contrast of the silver white beads against the black. They catch the light with your slightest movement and from every angle. It is just a spectacular dress. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a side zipper. Hand finishes. There is a little bare area between the beading on the shoulder. This looks intentional to me. Please see the photo after the label shot. 

Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60" from top of the shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

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