This amazing little jumpsuit was designed by Belgian-born Jules-Francois Crahay, who headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. He has been noted as one of fashion’s 'great colorists with his colorful patterns making his 1970s Lanvin designs hugely desirable and influential.' His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourites for the house. I especially love the his work during the period through the late sixties and into the early 1970s. He was a genius at print and colour and he pushed the envelope in terms of using cutting edge fabrics available during this time period. I think that this was his way to play homage to the Lanvin Parfums ads from the mid 1950s. I have included some of those just for your reference to enjoy.
I have seen some vintage Lanvin dresses in the past that have a small bit of the clown print incorporated into them but this is the only piece I have ever seen that has the print completely covering it head to toe. This is the kind of piece that you were only ever going to find in vintage and it is so special. It is made out of a knit jersey that is printed with that fantastic clown and circus print on every inch of it surface. The fabric choice makes it extremely comfortable to wear and it drapes and falls incredibly on the body. It is all one easy piece and you just slip it on to wear. The neck line is scooped and the sleeves are long and simple. There are darts to shape it a bit around the bust and then the waist is seamed and cut a little more on the generous side. The jumpsuit comes with its matching tie belt in the same fabric which lets you cinch it in as much as you like. From there it skims over the hips to long pant legs that are cut wide and extraordinarily full. As they reach the bottom hem they are a full 55" all the way around. When you are standing still this gives the appearance that you are wearing a dress but you still have the ease and comfort of a jumpsuit. I took a photo of it laying out so you can see how spectacular the lines of this are. It is a fantastic little piece of fashion history and yet still so easy and comfortable to wear. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
Unline and closes at the back with a zipper. A matching sash ties around the waist. I see a couple of little marks, tiny minor fading and one little nick out of the fabric on one leg. Because of the extensive print you would never see any of it until you laid it out and look carefully. Please see the photos after the label shot.
Sleeve: 23"
Shoulder: 15"
Bust: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20-24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem with about 1.25" turned under the hem
Inseam: 30"
Torso: 31" from back of neck to inner seam
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4896
Reference Photos: Lanvin Perfumes Ads, 1956-59.
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