Vivienne Westwood Fall 1998 Dress

This black velvet bow-front dress with sheer sleeves comes from Vivienne Westwood’s Fall 1998 Red Label collection. For Fall 1998, Westwood played with classical silhouettes, referencing 18th-century tailoring and exaggerating the female form in ways that felt both sensual and subversive.

The dress is crafted in black velvet with a dramatic bow at the bust and translucent sleeves. Like all the best Vivienne Westwood pieces, the body is tailored to accentuate curves. The bust is cut low and the skirt clings to the hips before flicking out at the bottom to create the silhouette that has become a Westwood signature. The sheer sleeves are cropped to just below the elbow. The dress fastens at the back with a hidden tonal zip.

• Vivienne Westwood Fall 1998 • Velvet • Large bow at chest • Kick-flare skirt • Sheer sleeves • Made in Italy

Fabric: 77% Cotton, 21% Rayon, 2% Spandex
Size on Label: Italian 40, UK 8, US 4
Stretch: Yes
Care: Dry clean only
Condition: Excellent

Waist: 70 cm (27 inch)
Hips: 88 cm (35 inch)
Bust: 78 cm (31 inch)
Length: 91.5 cm (36 inch)