V Neck & Back 1990s Nina Ricci Black Silk Chiffon Caftan Dress w Sequin Bead & Rhinestone Detailing

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 vision 'celebrated a flamboyant woman and his ready-to-wear found a loyal following among the most stylish women of the day.' This dress is from the boutique line and it is fabulous.

This is a wonderfully easy dress to wear and very flattering once on. There is an inner silk sheath dress covered in a layer of light silk chiffon and then there is a caped layer of silk chiffon that floats over that. This top layer is what gives the dress it's caftan feel. The front and back neckline are set in V for a little bit of skin to show and balance out the coverage that the dress has. A band of densely applied silver beads are set in a band that follows the neckline on both the front and back. Little prong set rhinestones are mixed in with those beads for some added sparkle. Underneath the top layer of chiffon silver sequins are set over the bodice area so that you just get a hint of them peeking through the chiffon. A little silk piped bow sits at the base of the front V for pretty detail. The inner dress is attached around the neckline and then from there it skims over the body in a long column that gently widens out just a touch as it reaches the hem. The inner dress is made from a black silk that is topped with another layer of black silk chiffon. Over that inner dress is a large panel of black silk chiffon that extends out over the shoulders and is open down the sides. It is cut to round off at the bottom corners so when it is on, it falls in a pretty cascading ruffle down the sides. The effect of having the top silk layer over the inner layer gives the dress added dimension and movement as they float over each other. The movement and drama this creates is extraordinary. This is a dress that you slip on and feel completely comfortable when wearing it and yet it has as much drama and impact as you could ask for. I love it. Excellent condition with a minor note below

The inner dress is fully lined in a black silk. It closes with a back zipper on the inner dress. I see two tiny repairs in the chiffon layer of the back panel. Please see the photo after the label shot.

Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4723

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