Louis Feraud opened his first boutique in 1950 in Cannes selling sundresses to the jet set. When Brigitte Bardot was photographed in a white pique and lace number, he became the darling of the fashion world. By 1956 he had moved to Paris and opened a couture atelier and in 1960s made hos first official couture presentation. Ready to wear followed in 1970. He won the Golden Thimble in in 1978 and again in 1984. Women like Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot were huge fans of the label. This is a wonderful dress from the early 1970s that shows his depth as a designer.

This is a gorgeous dress. It can be worn like a caftan or you can cinch it in with the matching braided belt. And of course being Haute Couture it is tremendously well made and very special. The dress is made from a fine silk and wool jersey that is so soft on the body that wearing it is incredible. The colour is a soft red that is just a bit lighter then the red in these shots. The dress is cut to be full and oversized through the body so it is exceptionally easy to wear if you choose to wear it without the belt and then when you add the belt it transforms into a dress with more shape. It's generous and open cut will suit a large range of body sizes and types. The sleeves have a touch of fullness to them so that they pouf above the cuffs. The neckline is cut into a very low notched slit at the front and is held in place by a series of ties that I have ties into little bows to run down the front. These keep it in place while still allowing a flash of skin to peek through between each one. It falls to the floor, gently widening out as it nears the hem. It is cut to be very loose and easy through the body. I love the silk lined pockets that sit along each hip. What takes the dress to couture level is the wonderful hand down sequin work that adorns the shoulders, cuffs and circles the hem. Each of these areas have a layer of an Indian printed tissue silk. The printed areas that you see would have all been done by hand and of a vegetable dye. Then the pattern on the silk has a hand embroidered outlined done in a silver metal thread. Tiny silver sequins detail the patterns and then various embroidery and beads finish the patterns. I have had it looked at by a couple of people and we all agree that he most likely sourced/had made original fabric from India for this piece. Inside it is entirely finished by hand and I have included a photo of the inner hand finished seams. It is stunning. Excellent condition with a note to review below

Slips over the head to wear with no closures. Ties at the front and each cuff also ties to close. Matching braided tie belt. Some of the silk overlay has shattered at the top of one shoulder and there are reinforcing stitches added that can be seen inside. With the placement and colour there you don't even see it once on.  See a spot in the back of one elbow. Please see the photos after the label shot. The dress is entirely made by hand to Haute Couture standards. The loose and easy cut should work on a full range of sizes. 

Sleeves: approx 25"
Shoulders: no true shoulder seam
Bust: to 28" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 59" from neck to hem
Width of upper sleeve: 16" around

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4022

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.