1975 Giorgio Sant' Angelo Hand Crochet Dress w Balloon Sleeves & Metallic Ribbon Detailing

Giorgio Sant' Angelo was the winner of two Coty Awards and two Council of Fashion Designers of America honors and was known for his innovation and pioneering use of stretch fabrics. He has had an entire museum exhibit dedicated to his work and career and is firmly entrenched as one of the great designers. His work captured a moment in fashion history and his love of color and strong lines will forever be collectible. Pieces reside in museums worldwide including The Met where there is a dress from this same collection that uses the same ribbon decoration as this one has. On the notes for The Met's dress they state; 'Giorgio di Sant'Angelo was noted for his use of multiple inspirations. In this evening dress, he combines both Renaissance and gypsy or possibly Native American influences. The ribbon and braid appliqué are reminiscent of Seminole patchwork.' This is an incredible example of his work during this time period. 

This dress has an extra special layer of meaning because it was only worn once and it was for my clients wedding. She even sent me a photo which I have included here so that you can see exactly how beautiful the dress is once on the body. The dress is not 100% perfect but its flaws are forgivable given it rarity and beauty. The dress is made from a natural linen colour cotton crochet thread. The entire dress has been crocheted with an open weave. Its loose and easy cut makes it incredibly easy to wear. The dress has a top crocheted layer that lies over an inner stretch jersey lining. Both these layers are meant to simply skim over the body in a long straight cut sheath that widens out as it nears the hem. The body of the dress is suspended from the shoulders and falls in a tubular column to just past the hips. The skirt is set into that and is done in tiers that widen out to be very full by the time they reach the hem. Each tier is separated by metallic ribbons in a variety of bright colours. That pop of bright collar against the natural feeling thread is just spectacular. The sleeves are equally uncredible. Each widens out to the elbow and then the same metallic ribbon runs around them where they form big rounded drops to the cuff. I love the little flowers worked through the crochet work. The edges of the hem and on the sleeve are finished with a more lace like feeling scalloped edge for that little extra bit of detailing. It is an incredible dress. His work is so rare and this is just a wonderful example of it. Great condition with notes to review below. 

The dress is lined with an attached cream jersey dress as described above. It closes with a back zipper and each cuff snaps to close. There are light marks on the exterior crochet thread under each arm and two small spots at the back towards the side. They are not on the interior dress but just the outside layer. It was cleaned but not soaked aggressively so these might come out with a specialty cleaning. Without these marks this dress would be double in price. There is a minor repair under one arm along the seam. Please see the last three photos after the label shot. The jersey has some stretch. The measurements below are of the comfortable range while lying flat 

Sleeves: 25.5"
Bust: 15-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3906

Reference Photo: (1) From original owner.  /  (2) c. 1975 Giorgio di Sant'Angelo Evening Dress from The MET Collection Online.

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