Dramatic 1980s Nina Ricci Black 'Garda' Velvet Dress w Pleated Silk Taffeta Ruffled Shoulders

This dress is from the Nina Ricci Haute Boutique demi-couture label from the 1980s and it has that amazing eighties aesthetic to it. On the inner tag it has a space for the model style and this dress was called the 'Garda'. The Nina Ricci brand was founded in 1932, at 20 Rue de Capucines in Paris and quickly became one of the top couture ateliers in the world. In 1964, Gérard Pipart succeeded Jules-François Crahay, Nina Ricci's former designer assistant, as head of the brand. Over the following three decades, Pipart's couture vision 'celebrated a flamboyant woman and his ready-to-wear found a loyal following among the most stylish women of the day.' This dress fits perfectly into that aesthetic and I think it is amazing. 

I love the bold cut of the dress combined with the richness of the black velvet. Using velvet allows the black to be as deep and dark as it possibly could be so that the body of the dress becomes a backdrop to those wonderful shoulders. I am actually seeing a lot of similar pieces on the runways this past season or so and they are all based on work like this. The body of the dress falls in a perfect column of velvet and is cut to skim over the body and your curves. The sleeves are long and each narrows to a zipper cuff. The bodice is finished in a high end black silk and is shaped and cut to hug and lift the breasts. It curves over the breasts and then gathers in the centre where it is caught up with a strip of silk. This creates a curved sweetheart neckline that is beautiful. At the top of each arm is an explosion of pleated silk taffeta that is done in multiple layers of fabric. These swirl and curve around each other. The effect this creates and the volume it gives is remarkable. This also leaves the shoulders bare for some skin to show. To off-set the volume at the top of the dress, the skirt is more fitted as it falls to the floor in a graceful column of velvet. A slit runs up the back so that you can walk. The dress is very well made and the black silk interior gives it a rich and sensual feel once on. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a back zipper. There is a built in bodice that closes with its own separate zipper. Inner waist stay that hooks to close. Each cuff has zippers to close. Hand finishes. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. 

Sleeves: 22"
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist stay under the bust: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: Approx 57" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3681

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