Exceptional 1960s Nina Ricci by Grard Pipart Haute Couture Silver & W Nina Ricci (Grard Pipart) A H 1969 70. Photo Frdric Scheibe. Nina Exceptional 1960s Nina Ricci by Grard Pipart Haute Couture Silver & W Exceptional 1960s Nina Ricci by Grard Pipart Haute Couture Silver & W. The Shrimpton Couture Archives This dreamy dress dates to the late 1970s early 1980s. It was made under the creative direction of Gerard Pipart The Nina Ricci brand was founded in 1932 at 20 Rue de Capucines in Paris. In 1964 Grard Pipart succeeded Jules Franois Crahay, Nina Ricci's former designer assistant, as head of the brand. Pipart, who had previously worked for Balmain, Fath, and Patou, brought a wide range of experience in all aspects of fashion to the brand. Over the following three decades, Pipart's vision 'celebrated a flamboyant woman and his ready to wear found a loyal following among the most stylish women of the day.' This is one of my favourite Nina Ricci pieces I have had in the shop. I have seen one other come up over the years but it did not have the matching belt, which I think is the perfect finish to the dress and is not the same without it. The dress is made out of a feather light silk organza that feels like absolutely magic once on. I love the contrast in print that the different parts of the dress have. The top is a black silk organza with a pink dot print and then the skirt flips the colours around with a pink backdrop and a black chevron print running vertically over the entire skirt. The belt with its front bow finish brings in a third variation on this print with a pink base and black dot. The top is cut very loose and easy with elastic through the shoulders so that it sits off the shoulder. You can also wear it on top of the shoulders if you wish but I love that bare expanse of skin when worn off. It skims loosely over the bodice to the waist and then you use the belt to for shape. The sleeves are extremely full and and end just above the elbow. Each one has an inner lining of black chiffon that helps to hold the fullness. The skirt is phenomenal. It is completely cut on the bias and there are many yards of silk organza used in its construction. There are two added layers of pink organza under the top layer and then a silk inner skirt under those three layers. The very top layer extends a bit past the inner layers to really play on the transparency of the organza. The movement the dress has once on is incredible. The bodice and sleeves are fully lined in a black silk chiffon and the skirt is lined as described above. The neckline and sleeves have elastic and an inner waist stay hooks to close. It closes with a back zipper and the belt hooks to close. The inner elastic around the shoulders could be easily adjusted if you needed it tighter or looser on you. The dress has its original hang tag and a packet with extra fabric. It was never worn. Tagged a vintage Ricci 42. Excellent condition Sleeves: approx 12" and are full and open around the upper arm Shoulders: no defined seam Bust: 15 21" flat across from side seam to side seam Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam Inner hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam Bodice: approx 16" from top of shoulder to waist Total length: approx 62" from top of shoulder to hem Belt: 28" end to end x 4" at its widest point Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML MED All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.