Jean-Louis Scherrer was one of the great French couturiers. Sophia Loren and Jackie Kennedy were fans and I especially love the work that he was doing in the 1970s. It was very classical French in feel but still had his signature feel to it. He began his career with Christian Dior in 1955 and left when Yves Saint Laurent was appointed to the head designer position. He then joined Louis Feraud and stayed there until launching his own couture label in 1962. Scherrer soon had a loyal following and the 1970s were the pinnacle of his career. Everything about this dress is well thought out and it is perfectly constructed.
The dress is a beautiful example of the level of work that you only find with true Haute Couture pieces. The dress is entirely made by hand out of a fine, slight weight silk crepe. It is in pristine condition and looks like it was just made. The shoulders are lightly padded and shaped. Each sleeve is cut to slight taper down to the wrist where it zips to close. The top has a V front and is cut to skim over the bust. This narrows down to the waist where a matching band of the same silk wraps around your waist to give shape and definition. The sash at the wast has all been hand draped and stitched into place. The skirt skims over the hip and is cut in pencil silhouette to end just past the knee. I love the floral print with its pink colour palette. It is like wearing a floral bouquet and the colours are as vibrant now as when it was first made. You can really see Scherrer's beautifully tailoring skills in this dress. It manages to feel strong but also soft and romantic at the same time. A tricky thing to pull off. Haute Couture pieces from the Scherrer label that are in this level of condition are hard to find and each time I do find one feels very special. It is gorgeous dress and it is even better on person and on an actual body. Excellent condition.
Unlined and each interior seam and edge is finished by hand. It closes at the back with a handset painted metal zipper. The sash at the weasel is attached and it closes with hook & eye at the back. There is light padding in each shoulder and each cuffs has a zipper. The dress appears to be unworn or to have been worn very little. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely done by hand. Appropriate Haute Couture tags numbered 000332. I took several shot of the interior finishes for you to see.
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 27" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD2472
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
