There is a certain 'mod' silhouette that we tend to associated with Pierre Cardin but he was actually a designer that had a huge range. At times some of his other silhouettes get overlooked and they should not be. This wonderful Haute Couture example is from the 1978 time period and it is very avant garde in feel. I included some other examples of pieces from that same here and you can see that this is a silhouette that he touched upon often. It is a beautiful and elegant piece that may not be as mod in feel as some of Cardin's other pieces during this time period but it is one that shows the breadth of his talent. From a historical perspective it's also an interesting insight on what was to come as far as volume and play on proportion in the 1980s.

Cardin often played with volume through his entire career and for the 1978 collection he put huge voluminous caped bodices over narrow skirts and then played with the detailing at the front. This dress is made from a fine silk crepe dyed to a pale mint turquoise green and you can see that play on volume in the cut. The dress is finished entirely by hand and the fine workmanship is wonderful to see. That avant garde cut is all created by clever seaming and traditional couture methods and this mix is fascinating. The bodice is more like a cape. The neckline is a simple V and then the sleeves extend straight out from the shoulders and then swoop down to meet the dropped waist. You simply slip your arms through the opening on them and then is just billows around you. All of the silk then swoops towards the center and has been gathered up and into a half bow detail that lies over the skirt. At the center sits an exaggerated half bow. The bow has an inner insert of stiffened netting so its intended shape is help perfectly. The skirt falls from under that in a sleek and simple cut. The back is unexpected simple, falling in a sleek sheath feel to the hem. A vent at the back allows you to walk. It is very chic and unusual. Excellent condition with a note below

Fully lined in hand set fine pale green silk. It closes with a hand set back zipper. All work is done by hand into haute couture standards. The proper Cardin couture tag is present. I see a couple of very faint light marks on the fabric. Please see the photos after the label shot. The easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. It will feel more of an oversized piece on a smaller frame

Sleeves: approx 23"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Inner bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4260

Reference Photos: 1978 Pierre Cardin (sources unknown).

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.