Items Similar to Couture LingerieLike Beaded Silk Cutwork Balenciaga Style 2000s Black Vest Apron
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 13
Couture LingerieLike Beaded Silk Cutwork Balenciaga Style 2000s Black Vest Apron
About the Item
This couture lingerie-like spaghetti-strapped black silk satin apron vest, with extraordinary graphic cutwork featuring a heavily hand-beaded breast-plate and appliques, was custom made by a young designer for a New York City female client in the early 2000s. It reminds us of dramatic abstract pieces by Nicolas Ghesquiere when he reinvented Balenciaga. After he got his start in couture fashion with Jean-Paul Gaultier in the early 1990s, he sometimes created one-of-a-kind intricate clothing experiments from vintage dresses, while designing wedding gowns and funeral wear for Balenciaga before ascending to its creative director by the turn of the century.
Perhaps the buyer will be able to solve the mystery of who else could have mixed so beautifully these surprising and contrasting decorative elements of high and low, such as the shiny textural seed beads and jewelry-like metal garter hardware, among this expertly draped ribbon-like structure that conjures a Rorschach inkblot.
With a top constructed to accentuate female breasts, the piece requires the wearer to thoughtfully reassemble it like a puzzle with hook-and-eye hardware and ties. We did our best on the small-sized mannequin, while an extra piece with garter hardware remained unattached and will be included.
About the Seller
5.0
Vetted Seller
These experienced sellers undergo a comprehensive evaluation by our team of in-house experts.
Established in 2012
1stDibs seller since 2022
11 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: North Adams, MA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
Auctions on 1stDibs
Our timed auctions are an opportunity to bid on extraordinary design. We do not charge a Buyer's Premium and shipping is facilitated by 1stDibs and/or the seller. Plus, all auction purchases are covered by our comprehensive Buyer Protection. Learn More
More From This SellerView All
- 1950s LingerieLike Ruched CrepeSilk & SemiTransparentOrganzaNetSkirt MiniDressLocated in Chicago, ILThis unusual mid-century lingerie-style black semi-transparent mini dress that conjures a historic pinup-girl like Bettie Page is suitable as a cocktail dress as part of an evening ensemble. It was probably meant by its New York designer to be paired with slim cropped pants, which became popular in The States after worn by Hollywood-movie actresses Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. The A-line dress was most likely made by the former ready-to-wear fashion company following the revolutionary debut by French Christian Dior of his couture cinched-waist-voluminous-skirt "New Look" collection, whereafter German Sonja de Lennart introduced "Capris" in 1949, and American Hugh Hefner launched Playboy magazine in 1953. The complex hourglass-shaped garment features a double v-neck four-seamed ruched lined bodice in a crepe silky woven fabric. Its defined gathered bust extends from the chest seams at two angles to form short dolman sleeves only in the front, while there are arm seams in back. The gathered see-through black faux-lace organza flared skirt reveals a black velvet-textured scalloped floral pattern with a net underlayer. With beige lining, the self-trim band at the waist enables the folded scalloped-lace pattern to continue to stand out on the opaque black torso. The edges of the peplum and sleeves are further cut in a scallop shape to resemble more delicate eyelash-lace trim. The brand label of the obsolete line is the only interior tag that remains. Camouflaging the midsection, the flattering dress will best suit a U.S.-size 6. It can also be worn by larger sizes with a relatively slim waist and small or large bust as there is no restriction at the hips or wide armholes. At the waistline, a hook and looped cord fasten over the bypass zipper to better conceal it. Notably, the steel-tab-and-teeth zipper is an original U.S-made Murlen model, which was used in new clothes from the 1940s to 1960s and helps to date the mid-century dress.Category
1950s American Mini Dress
- CommeDesGarcons 2003 RunwayLook1 Ruched Parachute Convertible White Dress GownBy Comme des Garçons, Junya Watanabe Comme des GarçonsLocated in Chicago, ILJunya Wantanabe made this inimitable white ruched floaty sleeveless semi-transparent dress with distinct parachute elements as "Look 1 and 2" (see photos) for the Parisian fashion show debut of his Spring/Summer 2003 collection, which was produced by his design mentor Rei Kawakubo's Japanese brand Comme des Garcons. The stunning combination of contrasts range from romantic-and-combat themes, gathered-and-flowing construction, raw-and-finished seams, soft-and-hard materials, and cutout-and-semi-transparent fabric. Secured on the exterior of the dress with bold silver-metal hardware, the 100%-cotton grosgrain-ribbon parachute-like straps are partly enclosed within multiple diagonal and vertical ruched channels to enable adjustment of the light synthetic-fabric draping and swags, such as for lengthening the dress. Strap ends freely hang from functional hardware on the front of the dress and below the sides as if they could be yanked to release the fabric into a drifty parachute sail. The reverse side of the dress is notable for the ruffled diamond-shaped cutout at the lower back and its framing set of adjustable looped parachute straps with a concealed white plastic buckle, which enables the hitched-up bottom to extend into a train like a dreamy wedding dress. This premiere-catwalk dress is further distinguished from others in Wantanabe's "Parachute Jumper" collection by the complexity of its top. Two ruched straps form an X-shape via metal-hardware at the upper back, extending to the front over the shoulders to form a ruched V-neck with linked straps that highlights your face. The soft folds of the neckline contribute to the raised ruffle collar, as well as flow to the shoulder seams. The hand-cut hem was designed unfinished and meant to fray, although it has not given its minimal wear and very good condition consistent with only age and storage. See our photos of the care/material tags. All tags remain, including from the Italian concept-store 10 Corso Como, where it was purchased in Milan. The "Made in Japan" size is a large-running "S" due to the pullover-style of the dress, which is equivalent to an Italian-size 44 or U.S.-size 6. In addition to wearing as a convertible dress...Category
Early 2000s Japanese Evening Dresses
- CommeDesGarcons 1999 RunwayLook12 BiasCut TranslucentSatin SalmonPink Maxi DressBy Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo Comme Des GarconsLocated in Chicago, ILIn an atypical Japanese-dye color for Rei Kawakubo, in 1999 she designed this translucent salmon-pink bias-cut satin sleeveless maxi dress evening gown for her brand Comme des Garcons, which debuted on a model walking the Paris runway that Fall as "Look 12" among the Vogue photo-coverage of her Spring/Summer 2000 collection. The unusual V-neck shape creates a central drape in the front of the unlined dress that prevents the synthetic semi-transparent fabric from clinging to the torso, while still enabling the lower part to swoosh while walking. With the exception of the brand tag, all others were removed by the sole owner to eliminate bulk and visibility through the dress. If the buyer would prefer, the fabric can be made shinier and completely smooth with professional pressing. Please notice that In a couple of our photos the white drapery next to or below the dress was converted by 1stDibs auto-editing to appear like trailing elements, where there are none. Also, as we used a backless mannequin for our photos, the rear side of the dress at the top is draping inward--not outward. We have other textural colorful items with over-dyed unique appliques from this same Spring/Summer 2000 collection if the buyer may want to layer pieces for a look similar to the fashion show. This is such a beautiful minimal dress...Category
Early 2000s Japanese Evening Gowns
- CommeDesGarcons 1996 Convertible Padded RedRoseJacquard & NavyCotton Skirt CapeBy Comme des Garçons, Junya Watanabe Comme des GarçonsLocated in Chicago, ILIn 1996, Japanese Junya Wantanabe made this sculptural red whorled-rose jacquard padded evening coat/jacket cape to convert to an equally stunning asymmetrical A-line or symmetrical ...Category
1990s Japanese Cocoon Coats
- TomFord 2001 1stYearYSL Silk PlungingV Ruched Draped Black MaxiDress EveningGownBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom FordLocated in Chicago, ILFor his first collection for Yves Saint Laurent Paris/Rive Gauche while also creative director at Gucci, American Tom Ford designed this Spring/Summer 2001 black formal evening gown ...Category
Early 2000s French Maxi Dress
- Antique NativeAmerican LeatherBraidedSeamsStrapsNeckline Sleeveless Hide DressLocated in Chicago, ILThis antique Native American brown chamois suede leather sleeveless chemise dress, which was handmade during the "reservation era" between 1870-1930, is made from two soft supple ani...Category
Early 20th Century American Chemises
You May Also Like
- Vicky Tiel Black & White Lace Strapless Dress w/ Beading - 44By Vicky TielLocated in West Palm Beach, FLVicky Tiel Black & White Lace Strapless Dress w/ Beading - 44. This beautiful dress is in excellent condition. It features a gorgeous black lace over a white nylon blend, a built-i...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Evening Dresses
- Vicky Tiel Purple Silk Taffeta Strapless Gown w/ Floral Detail On Back - 42By Vicky TielLocated in West Palm Beach, FLVicky Tiel Purple Silk Taffeta Strapless Gown w/ Organza Floral Detail On Back - 42. This special gown is in excellent condition. This dress features a purple silk taffeta material...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Gowns
- Carolyne Roehm 1980's Black Velvet Dress with Olive Ruffle Bottom - 4By Carolyne RoehmLocated in West Palm Beach, FLCarolyne Roehm 1980's Black Velvet Dress with Olive Ruffle Bottom - 4. This dress is in excellent vintage condition. It is short sleeved and has side ruching with rhinestone buttons ...Category
1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Oscar de la Renta 1990's Red & Purple Satin & Velvet Color Block Dress-Size 8By Oscar De La RentaLocated in West Palm Beach, FLOscar de la Renta 1990's Red & Purple Color-Block Dress - 8. This dress is in excellent condition and is long sleeved. The top part is velvet and the ...Category
1990s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Michael Casey Silk Chiffon & Ivory Cut Velvet Strapless Gown - 10By Michael CaseyLocated in West Palm Beach, FLMichael Casey Silk Chiffon & Ivory Cut Velvet Strapless Gown - 10. This gorgeous gown is in excellent condition. It features a gorgeous ivory silk chiffon material, paneled velvet ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Gowns
- Rose Taft Vintage Purple & Teal Silk Blend Strapless Gown w/ Floral Design - 10By ROSE TAFTLocated in West Palm Beach, FLRose Taft Vintage Purple & Teal Silk Blend Strapless Gown w/ Floral Design - 10. This lovely vintage gown is in excellent condition. It features a purple and teal silk blend materi...Category
Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses and Gowns
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Unknown Couture
Shiny Dress
Designer Evening Gowns Beaded
Black Wedding Dresses
Silk Applique Gown
Wedding Dresses Designer
Ribbon Couture
2000s Silk Gown
1990s Couture Gown
French Wedding Dress
Balenciaga Silk
High Low Gown
Custom Couture Gown
Wedding Couture Dress
Jewelry For Black Evening Dress
Heavily Beaded Dress
Designer Vintage Beaded Dress
Balenciaga Black Dresses