1970s Pauline Trigère Silk Floral Metallic Bell Sleeve Caftan Maxi Dress

The Trigère aesthetic is one of carefully crafted lines, and generally small extravagant details. However, Madame Trigère’s evening designs spared no detail in craftsmanship nor intricacy of design features. The 1970s Trigère styles often are made from elaborate silk chiffons that are patterned into airy, ethereal silhouettes that float around the wearer like an aura.

This silk chiffon Trigère dress is in the vein of the medieval cotehardie with its wide square neckline and full, flowing bell sleeves. Metallic threads run in stripes throughout the dress creating a shimmering quality to the extravagant printed chiffon as it shifts with the slightest of motion.

The silver metallic threads accentuate the jewel tone teal, amethyst, ruby, and peridot greens in the floral motif that runs in bands across the dress. The rich colors on the sheer fabric provide a stained-glass quality to the dress that would be exceedingly vibrant in any light. Fine pleats are designed into the waist to provide a soft fit as the dress flows into a fantastical sweep at an ankle level hem. The romantic style of the dress counters Trigère’s traditional aesthetic yet bears with it semblance of her deft vision for elegant beauty.

Size estimate: M

Measurements:

Sleeves: 23.5 inches

Bust: 36 inches

Waist: 34 inches

Hips: up to 44 inches

Length: 58 inches

This dress is fully lined in a nude silk chiffon except for the sleeves ensuring that the drape and lightness of the fabric is preserved all the while allowing for the sleeves to undertake an additional element of translucence. At the back, the dress is closed with a hand set metal zip.

It is in excellent condition and is rife with extraordinary hand finishing throughout. Professionally 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.