Alliage 1980s Dress

Alliage was a Parisian label which occupied a niche in high-end French ready-to-wear during the 1980s and 1990s. It was highly regarded for its structured tailoring and dazzling, intricately detailed evening wear.

This dress is expertly tailored from a smooth black crepe to a sensuous, body-hugging silhouette. It has a beautiful, panelled construction that recalls the cuts of other famous designers from this era, in particular the fluid seams of Azzedine Alaïa's dresses. The stand-out detail of this dress is the curved cut-out that falls from under the left arm to the waist. It is detailed with pale cream satin straps which fasten into nine roccoco-style gold buckles studded with rhinestones. The top has the option of having another strap - there is a cream satin spaghetti strap that can be worn over the shoulder or tucked into the dress. There is a small slit in the front of the skirt. The dress fastens down the centre back with a hidden tonal zip. It is lined in black satin.

• 1980s Alliage Paris • Mini-dress • One-shoulder • Cut-out • Cream ribbon trim • Rhinestone buckles • Made in France

Fabric: 51% Viscose, 49% Acetate
Lining: Satin
Stretch: No
Size on Label: French 38, UK 10 or US 6 (this dress measures a lot smaller)
Care: Dry clean only
Condition: Very good - please note there are 16 rhinestones missing but it is hardly noticeable when worn

Bust: 76 cm (30 inch)
Waist: 63.5 cm (25 inch)
Hips: 86.5 cm (34 inch)