Pauline Trigere launched her label in 1942. She was from Paris and moved to the US in 1937. That early French influence showed throughout her career. In 1949 she was awarded her first Coty award. She won it again in both 1951 and 1959. The 1959 win coincided with being inducted into the Coty Fashion Hall of Fame. She was a pioneer in the use of cottons and wool for evening and her work with silks is wonderful. In 1961 she made headlines for being the first major fashion house to use an African American model. This is a stunning example of her later work and it is gorgeous.

The dress has a similar feel to that magical Loris Azzaro I just showcased on my Instagram on a bride. It is like a magical fairy tale version of all that was amazing about this time period. It is made out of a black silk base with a double layer of black silk netting over that. The top layer of netting has these fabulous little black velvet dots fused onto it. The cut of the dress is beautiful. The bodice has an inner silk piece that leaves the upper chest shoulder and arms bare under the netting. It skims over you and and is seamed in at the waist. The skirt sweeps out from there and is gathered into the waist seam for fullness. I did not use any extra crinolines under it and if you wanted to add one you could get an even fuller look. The sleeves are magnificent. Each one is cut with tremendous volume and a huge and elaborate pouf to the upper parts of them. They narrow down to the cuff and this gives them all the drama that you see. They are the perfect finish to this high fantasy dress. The workmanship is fantastic and it is absolutely beautiful. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a back zipper and buttons above that. Each sleeve snaps at the cuff.

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 44" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4131

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