Salvadore Albani was an independent couturier operating out of Paris. He was known as one of the more 'affordable' couturiers of his day which meant you could buy a cocktail dress for several thousands of francs instead of tens of thousands. Kim Novack and Brigitte Bardot were fans and his work was quietly known by the women who could afford couture. This piece is from the eighties and it is remarkable how close it looks to the work of some of the modern brands who have been 're-inventing' that decade for several seasons now. It is an incredibly well made dress and is finished to haute couture standards. The dress is made from a light weight lame finish silk in a deep inky black. The main body and sleeves have a texture to then that gives them a light 3D effect. The collar, skirts, cuffs and the sash at the waist are then finished in the same fabric that has been plisse pleated. The fabric is very light and sexy feeling when on. It is loose and easy cut through the body that is flattering and comfortable to wear. The neck is high and finished with a pleated ruffle. The shoulders are set wide and each sleeve poufs out over the upper part of the arm and then curves and tapers down to the wrist. Each cuff has the same ruffle finish as the collar and there are two layers of silk there. Below the waist is an attached band of fabric that is wider at one side and then curves around the hips and ties. The sash is made out of the plisse fabric and this gives it volume and some structure that allows you to shape it as you wish. The skirt has two layers to it that that are set on a slight angle so one side is shorter then the other. I love all the shape and volume that the dress has and it still feels very avant garde even now. Hand finished interior and made to couture standards. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes at the back with a zipper and then you can adjust the hips with the attached sash. The teeniest bit of sheen to the fabric under one arm near the seam. The beck was small on the dress form. It measures 14" around. You could add an extender or button and loop to give you more room if needed. 

Sleeves: 26"
Slightly inset shoulders: 14"
Bust: to 18.6" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam and adjustable more
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam and adjustable more
Length: 40" from neck to shorter side of hem, 44" to the longer side

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3674

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