Vintage Léonard Paris One Shoulder Belted Jersey Dress

Synonymous with luxury and innovation, Léonard Paris is known for their silk jersey dresses and signature orchid prints. Referring to himself as “... a couturier with a sense of marketing,” Daniel Tribouillard was originally inspired to create floral prints to contrast the popular geometric designs of Emilio Pucci. The unique success of what began as an astute business decision became a genuine romance, the prints taking precedence over the style of the garments themselves, almost always incorporating flowers, which, as Tribouillard said himself, “Léonardizes” a design.

This vintage Léonard dress is stately and whimsical at once, the bright pastel and neon colors along with an exquisite floral print evoking a sense of spring. Done in an unlisted fabric that feels like a silk jersey blend, this dress has a nice weight and drape.

A bright pink and purple orchid with intricate white stems near the shoulder seamlessly unites the diagonal neckline with a print of vertical color blocked stripes of bright blue, white, and yellow on the neon green bodice at the front. Large horizontal stripes of lemon yellow on a blue ombré ground make up the body of the skirt at the front, which is interspersed with smaller stripes of white and neon green and adorned with flowers throughout.

The back of the dress is done largely in neon green leaves outlined in white on a blue ombré ground, bringing to mind the imagery of a pond or a river with the delicate, jewel-like orchids appearing to drift on the surface, giving it a somewhat oriental feel. A complementary pattern bordered by white stripes at the neckline and yellow and white stripes along both the hem of the flounce and skirt pulls the dress together while adding another layer of depth.

Size estimate: Medium

Bust: 34-36 inches

Waist: 34 inches (can cinch smaller with belt that is fully adjustable)

Hips: 40 inches

Length: 47 inches

The fitted bodice is introduced with a pleated, one shoulder neckline, creating a beautiful drape across the hips at the back of the dress. An accompanying belt of the same fabric with a pink plastic buckle may be worn cinched at the waist, the extra length of the belt mirroring the diagonal line of the shoulder.

Below the hips, an asymmetrically cut layer of fabric brings a fullness to the otherwise straight silhouette of the dress, creating a flounce that spirals around and reveals the midi-length underskirt, which reaches several inches below the knee. A fine example of Tribouillard’s artistry, this lighthearted gown is the perfect choice for a wedding or garden party. 

Professionally eco dry cleaned and pressed, this dress is in very good condition with light signs of wear and a small nick on the belt buckle. The print is signed ‘Leonard’ throughout. 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.