Chloe Karl Lagerfeld Ivory Silk Ebroidered Dress, 1981

Karl Lagerfeld is often considered something of a design genius. Having had to master multiple aesthetics, his creative direction for Chloé in 1981 was certainly unexpected. Blending the classic Chloé feminine, ethereal dresses with grungier styles, the 1981 collection depicted Chloé in a newly versatile light.

From the Autumn collection, this dress is done in a soft beige silk with diamond and triangular burn-out embroidery throughout. The dress is made with reference to historical chemises as the bodice drapes gently over the bust to a slightly gathered waist. This slight gathering gives a fitted illusion but is actually rather relaxed with some stretch. Here an underskirt drapes to the mid-thigh.

The attention to detail on this dress are highlighted though the crafting of the embroidery motifs. The all-in-one sleeves have been made to appear as though they’ve been attached with embroidery while the diamond motifs border the neck, the sleeve ends, and make up the hems for both the peplum and underskirt. One of the more romantic styles form that season, it can be seen above in the images on the ‘81 runway photographed by Paul van Riel.

Size estimate: Medium

Measurements:

Bust: up to 36 inches

Waist: 30 inches unstretched - 34 inches stretched

Hips: up to 40 inches

Length: 47 - 49 inches

At centre back, this dress closes with three covered buttons and loops at the mid-back and one button at the neck. Unlined, this dress is in excellent condition 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.