Lanvin Spring 2004 Dress

From Alber Elbaz’s Spring 2004 collection for Lanvin, this emerald green silk dress is an example of the designer’s mastery of seamless draping, or what Vogue described as “possibly the trickiest of all technical challenges.” Cut in fluid silk that glides over the body, the dress nods to the 1930s influences that preoccupied many designers that season.

The silhouette is columnar, with small cap sleeves and a low-cut neckline. The cloth gathers into a single point at the centre of the waist, creating soft folds that move beautifully with the wearer. In true Elbaz fashion, surface detailing is kept minimal to preserve the fabric’s flow: a single exposed hook-and eye secures the front, while the raw, unfinished edges allow the silk’s loose threads to flutter like blades of grass. The dress has a loose, draped cut and is flexible on size.

• Lanvin Spring 2004 • Green silk • Draped construction • V-neckline • Raw seams • Exposed hook-and-eye • Made in France

Fabric: 100% Silk
Stretch: No
Size on Label: French 38, UK 10, US 6
Care: Dry clean only
Condition: Excellent

Length: 119.5 cm (47 inch)
Bust: 96.5 cm (38 inch)
Waist: 76 cm (30 inch)
Hips: 86.5 cm (34 inch)