2009 Prada Runway Black Bustier Shawl Collar Cut-Out Back Dress

Designer Miuccia Prada is known for her outspoken fashion statements on the runway. The brand teeters relentlessly on the edge of traditional tailored style and edgy yet tasteful sexuality. With a color palette that is nontraditional of a Spring runway, the Prada 2009 collection centered around an empowering rough-and-tumble aesthetic. From that collection, this black cocktail dress incorporates a ribbed, crinkled black fabric to construct a bustier bodice with an attached bolero.

The crinkles in the fabric provide a unique texture to this design allowing for it to stand out rather than fading into the background as another little black dress. The bodice is boned to fit the cups while the waist is cinched just enough to form a soft hourglass shape as the dress continues into the straight skirt. The attached bolero is the key feature of this dress as it sits perfectly on the shoulders, working with the curved V neckline of the bustier emphasizing the décolletage. At the back, the mid-back is shown as the back of the bolero only comes midway down.

Size: 42

Measurements:

Bust: 34 inches

Waist: 28 inches

Hips: 36 inches

Length: 44 inches

The bustier of the dress is completely backless and if fit by an elastic band across the back. This band is covered by the bolero which secures with an invisible zip. The skirt portion closes at the back with an invisible zip and has a vent at to right side hem for ease of walking.

The bodice of this dress is lined in a black silk, with padded bra cups for support while the skirt is unlined. This Prada cocktail dress is 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.