1980s Odicini Couture Black and Yellow Silk Strapless Cocktail Dress and Jacket

Inheriting her atelier in the late 1970s, Andrea Odicini dressed the elite all throughout Europe. Based in Italy, her style is evocative of the Italian luxury aesthetic that has some parallels to that of Versace and Giorgio Armani. Elegant evening and cocktail dresses are a signature of Odicini and frequently incorporated tailored lines and interesting prints. Made from a luxury silk this ensemble features a two-toned strapless cocktail dress and a tailored jacket.

When worn together the ensemble appears to be a matching skirt suit of an Art Nouveau gold scroll print on a black ground. The jacket has padded shoulders that provide a straight-edge shoulder line the traces into the bound neck edge that plunges into a low V. Contrasting the broad shoulders, the jacket nips in beautifully at the waist. Underneath, the strapless dress can stand alone.

The bodice is crafted from a black silk that is smocked into a popcorn texture. The neckline is rounded with a V-cut in the centre. The bodice is boned for support resting a little below the waist. This ensemble is transitional and was even showcased on the runway as it still has the model’s name and number in the interior.

Size estimate:

Dress:

Bust: 36 inches

Waist: 26 inches

Hips: 35 inches

Length: 36 inches (from center top)

Jacket:

Shoulders: 17 inches

Sleeves: 25 inches

Bust: 36 inches

Waist: 28 inches

Length: 20 inches

Made to couture standards, this ensemble is fully lined in a black silk charmeuse. The jacket had handset sleeves and closes at centre front with a series of buttons and loops. The dress can be closed with a concealed zip. Both garments are 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.