This stand-out, early to mid 1960s two-piece haute couture ensemble is by Guy Laroche and the construction is nothing short of superb. Composed of a dress and bolero jacket, it is hand-crafted from silk patterned with a golden heraldic print. The sleeveless dress is cut to an empire-line style with thick straps. Two soft pleats fall from under the bust at the front and repeat again at the rear, to form a cocooning skirt shape around the legs. The skirt is lined in nude silk complete with a seperate taffeta underskirt stiffened by sheer organza which holds the silhouette. The bodice of the dress is lined in cream silk and it fastens under the arm with a hidden tonal zip.

The cropped jacket has elegant three-quarter length sleeves and a double-breasted front, secured by a tonal hook-and-eye clasp. It has a beautiful weight to it as it is double-thickness which has also been stiffened by a hidden organza layer. The haute couture label resides in the jacket.

This sophisticated and very wearable ensemble is in extraordinary vintage condition with no flaws of any note and looks barely worn, the silk retaining a vibrant fresh appearance. It is worthy of mueseum aquisition or by a serious collector of early couture works. Like many haute couture pieces, there is no composition label but it is composed of many fine silk types. The dress and jacket have no stretch to them. Our model is a UK 6-8 and 5ft 4in (163cm) and this dress fit her well with room to spare in the hip. We believe it will work for sizes up to a UK 8-10 or US 4-6.

Guy Laroche founded his atelier in 1956/57 in Paris and was known for his vibrant use of colors and skilful cutting and tailoring. His early work was influenced by Balenciaga and several well-known designers have worked under Laroche. In 1957, Azzedine Alaia joined him for several years; from 1955 to 1958 Valentino worked there, and Issey Miyake was also a designer for Laroche from 1966 to 1968.

MEASUREMENTS DRESS:

Bust - 34 in (86 cm)

Waist - 32 in (81 cm)

Hip - 42 in (107 cm)

Length - 38 in (97 cm)

JACKET:

Bust - 34 in (86 cm)

Waist - 32 in (81 cm)

Length - 14.5 in (37 cm)

Shoulders - 18 in (46 cm)