1960s Tiziani Couture by Karl Lagerfeld Lemon Silk Print Dress and Vest Set

This is a rare and very collectible vintage find; it is among the earliest examples of Karl Lagerfeld’s legendary work. Lagerfeld designed it in the late-Sixties for House of Tiziani, where he would begin exploring the idea of luxury ready-to-wear—at that time, a groundbreaking concept—that would later define his career at Chloé and Chanel.

The set is charming and exquisitely tailored from a mini print of bright yellow-and-green lemons and white stars on pale gray silk. It includes a sporty dress with a bright yellow trim at the scooped neckline and three-quarter puffed sleeves, and a coordinating vest that closes daintily at the front with a hook-and-eye. The dropped waist on the dress meets an incredible accordion-pleated skirt made of yards and yards of fabric.

Exquisite haute details include a handset metal zipper at the back, a tissue-weight silk organza lining and hand-finishing at the inside skirt seam. Elizabeth Taylor, Gina Lollobrigida and Doris Duke all wore Lagerfeld’s looks for House of Tiziani, and the pieces continue to captivate as historical records and timeless classics decades later.

Size estimate: XS/S

Measurements:

Shoulders: 14 inches

Sleeves: 17 inches

Bust: 33 inches

Waist: 29 inches

Hips: 34 inches

Length: 41 inches

This vintage House of Tiziani dress set designed by Karl Lagerfeld in the late-Sixties is in excellent condition. It is tailored from a mini lemon-and-stars print on pale gray silk. It includes a knee-length dress and coordinating vest. The dress is trimmed in bright yellow at the scooped neckline and three-quarter puffed sleeves, which have a button closure at the cuffs.

The dropped waist is connected to an accordion-pleated skirt. The skirt is hand-set, as is the metal zipper at the back. Both the dress and vest are lined in tissue-weight silk organza. The set has been professionally 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.