Vintage Chloé by Karl Lagerfeld Strapless Silk Printed Dress Spring 1979

The house of Chloé has undergone many aesthetic transformations throughout the decades. Typically associated with classic silhouettes and soft, muted colors, the house departed from this tradition in the 1970’s by trading soft solids for bold hues and artsy prints that marked the house as a more youthful and modern brand. Discussing the evolution of his designs in a 1979 interview for The New York Times, Mr. Lagerfeld remarked that “Fashion is something you can’t command”... “Suddenly it is time for a change, whether you like it or not. If you don’t do it, somebody else will.”

Sometimes a change is just the thing, as vintage lovers everywhere can attest. Done in a deep blue silk with a red and cerulean blue abstract floral print, this dress is dynamic and eye-catching. The strapless gown begins with a straight neckline that is softened by a pleated sash overlay that ties in a bow at the back.

The short, boned bodice creates a high fitted waist, leading to a straight midi-skirt accentuated with exquisitely draped panels of the same fabric, adding fullness and depth to the otherwise columnar silhouette of the gown. The pleated fabric undulates from an angled cinched ruffle at each hip, emphasizing a V shape at the front of the skirt.

The long flounces cascade beautifully in a spiral along the length of the dress, creating a layered high-low hem that pauses a few inches above the ankles at the front, and reaches just a little bit lower at the back. Feminine and refined, this incredible dress is the perfect choice for a summer wedding or evening soiree.

Size estimate: Small

Measurements:

Bust: 32

Waist: 24

Hips: 34 inches

Length: 45 inches

Maison Chloé in Paris, a five floor mansion dedicated to the history of the brand, opened in 2017 with an exhibition dedicated to famous French fashion photographer Guy Bourdin, which included photographs of similar dresses from the 1979 Chloé by Karl Lagerfeld collection.

In excellent vintage condition, this Chloé dress by Karl Lagerfeld has signs of light wear throughout and has been professionally eco-dry cleaned and pressed. High quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.