A fine and rare Schiaparelli gown, French, 1937-1938, bearing remains of the Place Vendome label, the high-necked, severe, fitted gown with extraordinary black and green camouflage print fabric woven with shimmering iridescent gold lurex threads in ripple effects, with black celluloid zip fasteners to the long sleeves, rear neck and left side opening, padded shoulders, bust 86cm 34in, waist 69cm 27in Provenance: This gown belonged to Mrs Annie Bodmer who was born Annie Abegg in Zurich in 1896. She married Henry Bodmer also of Zurich and went to Paris for her trousseau, returning regularly to the major fashion houses to supplement her wardrobe. Unusually tall for her generation, she was a beautiful and striking woman, with chestnut hair, hazel eyes and a stately carriage. She became one of the first women skiers, her other passions being building palatial houses, gardening and a deep love of classical music. Schiaparelli's couture collections for 1937-38 continued the trend away from exaggerated lines to a cleaner, more fitted silhouette that followed the curves of the body. Instead the emphasis was on rich, often metallic fabrics and detailing as in this gown.

Good condition, the pull loop on the rear neck fastener is detached - just needs a new loop to be made to go through the zipper and the ring of the shaped celluloid pull. The label is very frayed and the vendor has put a piece of surgical tape over. The label has been removed by me for safety. Small split in the fabric . Two tiny splits at hem of front left side, approx 1cm and .5cm- need to be rebacked - minor. Slight perspiration marks but due to the deep colour of the gown and the complexity of the fabric this is not noticeable.