Givenchy Haute Couture Pleated Silk Gown with Sequin Sleeves and Side Panels, c. 1977

Haute Couture black silk chiffon evening dress with black velvet trimmed box neckline, fish scale style sequined sleeves and side panels, flare-pleated front and back panels, and back left side zipper closure.
Label: Givenchy
Size Label: Unlabeled
Style/Serial No.: 59239

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 15.75"
Chest: 36"
Waist: 40"
Hips: 44"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 56.5"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 31.5"

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).