Fabulous 1960s Madeleine de Rauch Haute Couture Pearl White Sequin & Rhinestone Dress

Madeleine de Rauch founded her self-named couturier house in 1932. In the beginning she was known as a 'sportswear' couturier which in the context of that time meant that she focused more on day wear. As time progressed she turned to evening wear and became equally as known for her gowns. In the mid-1950’s, realizing the importance and the inevitable coming of mass production, she and eight other fashion designers established the Ready-to-Wear Association. She was also a supporter of young talent and helped a very young Yves Saint Laurent find his workshop space from which he launched his first collection. She designed until 1974. This is a stunning dress from the early 1960s and the workmanship on it is incredible.

This is one of those dresses that the closer you get to it the more you realize just how special it is. My photos are not coming close to doing it justice. This dress is is a spectacular example of the high end hand work that was being done during this time period in the world of Haute Couture. It is harder and harder to find these original pieces that are entirely sequinned and appliqued and with such a heavy covering, never mind that it is also a true Haute Couture piece. The instant you lift this dress up you know it is an early and well made original because it literally weights about 5 pounds. This is entirely due to the dense and heavy coverage of the rhinestones, pearls and sequins that cover every inch of the dress. The cut is simple but dramatic due to the stark white and silver of the appliques. It is cut to skim over your curves and falls in an elegant sheath to the floor. This creates a long lean silhouette that suggests the body underneath and gives the illusion of height. The neckline is a simple scoop at the front and the back is another scoop. The hips are cut with a slight curve to follow the curve of the body and the skirt falls to the floor from there widening out as it nears the hem. The hem has a wide internal band of stiffening that allows it to hold the sculptural shape. The entire dress is densely covered with hand placed white sequins, pearls and prong set rhinestones. These are so heavily applied that they cover the entire surface. Underneath that is a white lace netting that has bits of a silver lame thread woven through the fabric for added glitz. The effect that this create when you move is wonderful. I love that no matter what angle you look at it from it catches the light beautifully. The time and hours put into making this dress with all that hand work is astounding. The entire dress is made by hand and it is amazing. It is a beautiful and glamorous dress that is red carpet worthy and would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any big event. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a hand set ivory silk with hand finished seams. It closes with two back metal zippers. One for the interior lining and one for the outer dress. There is an attached weight at the top of the zipper that flips over the edge so that it doesn't dig into your skin. All the sequins, pearls and beads are hand sewn into place. It weighs several pounds. There are some minor grubbiness to the inside lining near the hem but of course this is not seen when on.

Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3983

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