Givenchy Haute Couture Velvet and Moiré Dress, 1970-80s

Haute Couture black silk velvet and moiré evening dress with open box neckline, ruffled leg-of-mutton sleeves, ruffled hem full skirt with back ruffled moiré trimmed velvet train, and center back zipper closure.
Label: Givenchy
Size Label: Unlabeled
Style/Serial No.: no. 65496

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 15.5"
Chest: 34"
Waist: 32"
Hips: 44"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 57"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 35"

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).