Vivienne Westwood Fall 1998 Dress

This black velvet bow-front dress with sheer sleeves comes from Vivienne Westwood’s Fall 1998 Red Label collection - a season that showcased her fascination with historical dress and proportion. For Fall 1998, Westwood explored the idea of re-scaling classical silhouettes, referencing 18th-century corsetry and tailoring while exaggerating the female form in ways that felt both sensual and subversive.

Crafted in plush black velvet with a dramatic bow at the bust and translucent sleeves, the dress plays with contrast between opacity and transparency, structure and softness. Like all the best Vivienne Westwood pieces, the body is tailored to accentuate feminine curves. The bust is cut low and the skirt clings to the hips before flicking out at the bottom to create a silhouette that has become a Westwood signature. The sheer sleeves are cropped to just below the elbow. The dress fastens at the back with a hidden tonal zip.

• Vivienne Westwood Fall 1998 • Velvet • Large bow at chest • Kick-flare skirt • Sheer sleeves • Made in Italy

Fabric: 77% Cotton, 21% Rayon, 2% Spandex
Size on Label: Italian 40, UK 8, US 4
Stretch: Yes
Care: Dry clean only
Condition: Excellent

Waist: 70 cm (27 inch)
Hips: 88 cm (35 inch)
Bust: 78 cm (31 inch)
Length: 91.5 cm (36 inch)