Ronald Van der kemp Haute Couture Dress, 2018

Dutch designer Ronald van der Kemp is widely regarded as a creative visionary and a “standard bearer for haute couture.” Each of his RVDK haute couture creations are unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, with only a few of each design in the world. With ardent celebrity fans including Kate Moss, Justin Bieber, and Katy Perry, van der Kemp has an enthusiastic cult following who are perhaps drawn to his ability to relay the particular, authentic, and eccentric. He began his career at Courregès in Paris and designed for many houses including Bill Blass, Laroche, and Celine, before settling in Amsterdam to start his own line. He was awarded the Grand Seigneur in 2019, Holland’s most prestigious fashion award, and continues to delight and intrigue fashion lovers worldwide with his designs.

Done in purple wool, this custom haute couture dress exudes the intriguing aesthetic Van der Kemp is known for. The dress begins with long sleeves that reach a few inches above the wrists and a deep V neckline. It falls from lightly structured shoulders to a maxi length at the ankles in a high-low hem, creating a columnar silhouette. The dress is fitted throughout and features a gold leather collar that continues in a sinuous diagonal line along part of the neckline and down past the waist, creating the illusion of a wrap dress while highlighting the ruched and beautifully draped fabric at one side of the skirt.

Size estimate: MED/LRG

Measurements:

Shoulders: 17.5 inches

Sleeves: 21 inches

Bust: 37 inches

Waist: 31 inches

Hips: 38 inches

Length: 36.5 inches

A belt of the same fabric is cleverly threaded through an opening in the dress itself, further defining the waist while adding a note of visual interest as the gold hardware belt buckle secures at the back of the bodice. The back of the skirt features two knee-length side slits that allow for greater ease of movement while creating the illusion of a fishtail hem. An exquisite addition to the discerning fashion lover’s wardrobe, this dress is the perfect choice for an evening soiree, wedding, or special occasion and can easily be paired with statement heels and accessories.

This Ronald van der Kemp dress is fully lined in black silk. It closes with a concealed back zip and has two button closures at the back of each cuff. The signed RVDK couture label verifies that this dress is the only one of its kind. In excellent condition, it 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.