This flamboyant rainbow gown walked the runway as part of Chloé’s Spring 2016 collection.  It was the standout look at number 24 and one of the most memorable gowns of the season.  Creative Director Clare Waight Keller was inspired by the youthful optimism and joyful innocence in fashion that was present in the 1990s. The season’s mantra of “excessively lived simplicity” was exemplified by this incredible gown. 

Made in France, it is tailored from floor-length plumes of chiffon that were hand dyed in Lyon in stripes of dark peach, sage green, black and cream that fade into each other with an ombré effect. At the waist, it is cinched by five drawstrings threaded by ombré dyed rope in hues that match the dress. These are knotted at each side of the waist and fall down the skirt, finishing at different lengths and each adorned with a tassel in a vibrant painterly tone. The straps are formed from the same ombre ropes, they form a drawstring through the neckline at the front and back. Again, playful tassels hang from the shoulder of these straps. The generously cut skirt kicks out as the wearer walks, with the sheer cloth and ombré dye adding a whimsical, festival feel that plays to Chloé’s reputation for bohemian luxury. This dress is fully lined in pale champagne silk. 

We consider this dress to be contemporary archival quality.  It has already been acquired by the Palais Galliera which houses one of the finest fashion collections in the world at the Museum of Fashion of the City of Paris.  Condition wise, this gown is in excellent condition with no issues and we cannot see any evidence of wear although the designer label has been removed. It is made from 100% silk and labelled a French size 36, UK 8, or US 4.  Approximate measurements are below and the fabric has no stretch; we think this would also suit larger sizes due to the generously cut fabric. Our model is a UK 6 US 0-2 and 5'11". There was quite a bit of room to spare in this dress on her.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 38 in. (97 cm)

WAIST - 34 in. (86 cm)

HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)

LENGTH - 67 in. (170 cm)