loris azzaro
Documented 1979 Loris Azzaro Off Shoulder Balloon Sleeve White Net Dress w Chenille Detailing
Loris Azzaro launched his label in 1967 and quickly defined his trademark looks with his use of ornate beading, sequins, unusual detailing, daring cut-outs and avant garde ways of defining the body. Some of the most beautiful women in the world wore his clothing including Marisa Berenson, Raquel Welch, Jane Birkin, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Tina Turner. It was a label that defined sexiness and had a certain French flare that women world-wide loved. This is an extraordinary dress that is stunning in its own right and could be a fantastic option for a bride or as part of a more extensive wedding event. It is even more special by the fact that Sophia Loren wore the black version. I have included that photo here so you can see how fantastic the dress is on.
The dress is like a magical fairy tale version of all that was amazing about this time period. It is made out of an off-white silky rayon base with three layers of white silk netting over that and another built in skirt under it. He used a white chenille fused onto the netting to detail and highlight the different aspects of the design and cut. On the strapless bodice it is set in rows that are stacked on top of each other to cover the entire bodice. On the sleeves and over the top layer of the skirt the chenille makes little circles and these are scattered over the netting. The very top layer of netting the skirt is finished with is cut to sit shorter then the other two underneath and this top layer has a scalloped finish along its edge. It is then finished with more chenille that follows the pretty curving line the scalloping creates. The cut of the dress is beautiful. The bodice is strapless and curves into a sweetheart neckline that dips low at the front. There is one of his signature inner built in and attached bras inside for support and additional boning along the sides. It is fitted and nips in at the waist. The skirt sweeps to the floor in a cascade of feather light silk netting under the bodice. I photoed the dress with a full length crinoline under it so that you can see the tremendous shape and volume it has. Without the addition of an underskirt the skirt would lie in a softer line. The skirt has enough volume that you can add an even fuller skirt to get a real bell shape if you wanted it to have an even more formal gown feel. The sleeves are magnificent. Each one is cut to sit far off and down your shoulder and is trimmed with a silk satin ribbon finish around the upper opening. They have tremendous volume through the sleeve with a huge and elaborate pouf to them. Each of them ends in an elaborate cuff with the same detailing using the chenille rows that the bodice has. They are the perfect finish to this high fantasy gown. The workmanship is incredible and it is absolutely beautiful. This would make an extraordinary wedding gown for the bride looking for something unique. Excellent condition
Fully lined in an ivory silky rayon and closes with a back zipper. Each sleeve has a zipper at the cuff. A built in bra though the bodice that hooks to close separately. The interior bodice is boned. An inner skirt has bands of stiffened netting set in rows to help hold the shape. The slightest bit of yellowing to the edge of the inner lining hem.
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam with about a B to C cup on the inner attached bra
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 8.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 38" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3720
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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