Karl Lagerfeld for Chloé Soft Yellow Silk Accordion Pleat Collar Dress, 1970s

Egyptian-born, French fashion designer Gaby Aghion founded the house of Chloé in 1952. Named after one of Aghion’s closest friends, Chloé was developed, and thence stands as one of the pioneers for introducing luxury pret-a-porter fashion. From 1966-1983, now notorious German-born designer Karl Lagerfeld served his first stint as a designer for Chloé which invited some of the most influential design moments for the brand.

Even during this time, Lagerfeld contributed design work for multiple fashion houses at the same time including Valentino, and Fendi. Lagerfeld possesses a wealth of creativity that has been carefully honed and calculated to serve each brand for which he works, as seen in this 1970s buttercup yellow, silk crepe dress.

This light dress employs rather dense accordion pleats cut in a pennant arrangement to hint at the Bohemian aura Chloé has coined. These pleat details are used in the formation of the zig-zagged Peter Pan collar that frames the neck highly like a statement necklace, as well as in the cuff of the three-quarter sleeves. Both the accordion pleat technique, and the usage of yellows are lasting elements that can be seen in Chloé collections to date.

Size estimate: XS/S

Measurements:

Bust: 32-34 inches

Shoulders: 14 inches

Waist: 24- 26 inches

Hips: 34-36 inches

Length: 43.5 inches

This silk crepe dress falls slightly below the knee, and has an overall loose fit. It is shaped at the waist with an elastic that provides some stretch, and is closed at centre front with fifteen covered buttons with loops. Two thin halter straps are at the neckline as an added versatility feature to the design.

The dress is unlined and in excellent condition. 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.