Ted Lapidus Ivory Color Block Silk Safari Dress, 1980s

Opening his own house in the 1950s following an apprenticeship at Dior, Ted Lapidus is considered as a pioneer of bringing unisex and utilitarian design details, such as military straps or safari styles, into mainstream couture. His usually tailored styles and use of vivid colors parallels designers such as Emanuel Ungaro. Today, the Lapidus brand is primarily known for its high-end accessories and fragrances.

From the Ted Lapidus haute couture boutique in Paris, this 1980s safari style silk dress is both refined and practical. The vivid white silk features a woven dash stripe motif that subtly play off of the seafoam green, cerulean, and yellow color block pattern of the fabric. The boxy silhouette in this light fabric provides a soft volume about the arms as the gathers created by the elastic waist give the illusion of elongation.

Size estimate: S/M

Size: 38

Measurements:

Shoulders: 19 inches

Sleeves: 19 inches, can be scrunched up by pulling the laces tighter.

Bust: 34

Waist: 22 inches-25 inches

Hips: up to 36 inches

Black laces on the sleeves and 2 large square breast pockets add a more rugged element to this delicate dress. Covered satin buttons and a bias neck tie at the front form the closure for this dress. Additionally, the skirt portion is lined and features a small slit on the front.

In excellent condition, this light, and easy-to-ear Ted Lapidus dress 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.