Givenchy Haute Couture Embroidered Skirt Ensemble with Fur Trim, c. 1977

In the late 1970s, the ‘peasant’ look swept runways, and in 1977, Givenchy offered a collection filled with heavily embellished fabrics and luxurious fur trims.

Haute Couture purple silk chiffon two-piece skirt ensemble embellished with gold metallic thread and beads, blue velveteen leaves, and faceted sequins, including a mink fur trimmed top with front neck tie, flared sleeves, and flared hem; paired with matching long flared skirt with center back zipper closure.
Label: Givenchy
Size Label: N/A
Style/Serial No.: 64172

Approximate Measurements:
TOP
Shoulders: 14.25"
Chest: 42"
Waist: 44.5"
Hips: 47"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 23.5"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 28"

SKIRT
Waist: 27"
Hips: 36"
Length (side waist band to hem): 44"

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).