Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Ruffle Gown, 1990-2000s

In a departure from his highly structured and futuristic styles, Cardin experimented with prints and diaphanous forms beginning in the 1970s. Floral prints, this one possibly representing a morning glory, contrast with the flat planes of color in Cardin’s previous work. Monofilament edges give shape and emphasize the lightness of chiffon layers.

Haute Couture orange and fuchsia silk chiffon floral print sleeveless dress with wired layered ruffles and flounces, and zipper closure.
Label: Pierre Cardin
Size Label: Unlabeled
Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 12.5"
Chest: 32"
Waist: 30"
Hips: 33.75"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 58"

Property from the Collection of Countess Anita von Galen

This lot is one of sixty-seven in this auction from Countess Anita von Galen, a German aristocrat and socialite known for her avant-garde sense of style and brilliant entertaining. Over the years, the Countess von Galen has used her visionary eye and a penchant for unique silhouettes to build an extraordinary collection of haute couture. She considered Hubert de Givenchy (Lots 1-18) and his partner, Philippe Venet, also a couturier (Lots 19-20), close friends, with Givenchy designing the baptismal gown (Lot 1) for her only son, Ferdinand Otto von Galen. Beyond her friendship with the couple, Countess von Galen was an ardent supporter of emerging, avant-garde designers including Pierre Cardin (Lots 25-48), Kansai Yamamoto (Lots 61-62), and Yohji Yamamoto (Lot 63).