George Stavropoulos was known for his evening wear and his signature looks often involved draping and the use of multiple layers of silk done on a bias cut. He focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. It was said that his gowns "seemed to float on air". He launched his label in 1960 and soon was dressing women like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Barbra Streisand and Maria Callas. The majority of his gowns are almost entirely made by hand and to couture standards. By the early 1980s a gown by him started at around $8500 and they went up in cost from there - that starting price point equals to around $26,000US in today's dollars. So when you buy a vintage Stavropoulos gown you are getting incredible value for your money. The only reason his work is not under the Haute Couture category is because he was not an official member of the association.
This dress is very much like a solid green one I have had in the past but this one has even more of a 'wow' factor with its wonderful floral and leaf print that is screened over the silk. I love the lightness and airiness of the dress created by the yards and yards of silk chiffon used. It also has an extraordinary pleating technique that runs around the hips. Working in this type of fabric is already difficult and this would have taken many hours of work to do this by hand as it has been done. The silk is cut on the bias and with a scooped neckline and beautiful bell sleeves that end in a wide and full cut. At the back the it scoops low for an expanse of skin to show. The waist is shaped by vertical seaming so that it flows and follows your shape. That seaming opens up into an intricate series of pleated gores on the skirt that allow the tremendous amount of fabric that makes up the skirt to have full movement and drape. It has a matching sash that you can use at the waist, neck or as a head scarf. It is very beautiful. Excellent condition
Fully lined in bright green silk chiffon with the sleeves are left unlined. The inner skirt has three layers of silk chiffon to make up the lining. It closes with a low hand set, painted metal zipper. The inner seams are finished by hand to couture standards. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at Inner lining: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD2948
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
