This dress is very interesting because it was dated not only from its label and bolduc number found on the couture tapes behind each label, but also from a photo from the atelier. In that photo you only see a pair of hands diligently sewing the seams by hand on a fabric that is a near twin to the fabric that this dress is made out of. The House of Givenchy was founded in 1952 by Hubert de Givenchy and he has always been strongly associated with the work that he did dressing Audrey Hepburn. His range was incredible as a designer and some of my personal favorite pieces have been of his work. His Haute Couture pieces are always amazing to find and this wonderful little set is an extraordinary example of his early couture work. Both pieces of the set are completely made by hand to Haute Couture standards. It is beautiful and even better in person. 

The dress is a simple shift with wide straps that curve up and over each shoulder. All of the seams through the body of the dress are set vertically. As they move over the body they gently create the curve of the dress so that it skims over you and is very flattering. I love that there are little hidden silk lined pockets along the front seams. The fabric is a heavier silk and cotton mix. It has enough weight so that Givenchy was able to sculpt the shape he desired. The floral design with its white and orange coral print is brilliant against the blue background. The jacket is as fantastic as a stand alone piece as it is when worn with the set. I love the neat cropped cut and slight flare of the jacket just its seam at the waist. The collar is notched and the sleeves are long. For the fall collectoon that year Givenchy extended the lengths of his jackets to below the hip so this is a charming representation of the spring look and that shorter jacket. The front closes with two buttons and they are encrusted with rhinestones. The same buttons also sit at the cuff of each sleeve. No shortcut was taken in the construction of either piece. It is just stunning and even better in person and on an actual body. The long stemmed flower print was a favored design from that season and Givenchy used several variations of it in his collection. It is wonderful to have such a beautiful example of it in the shop. Excellent condition.

The dress is fully lined in a hand set blue silk. The jacket closes with two buttons at the front. The dress closes with a hand set painted metal zipper that runs along the side seam at the back. Proper buttons holes. I see a couple of insignificant tiny marks. Please see the photos after the label shot. The occasional missing rhinestones on the buttons. Otherwise looks unworn. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely done by hand. Haute Couture labels present on both piecces and the are numbered 51113 and 51112 respectively

Dress
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 39" from shoulder to hem

Jacket
Sleeves: 21.5"
Slightly inset shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 20" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3725

Reference Photos: (1) A seamstress in the Givenchy Atelier, 1973.  /  (2-7) Spring 1973 Givenchy Couture Collection Advance.

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